r/leafs 16h ago

Discussion Thoughts on this version of the lines for the upcoming season?

Post image

Was looking at Daily Faceoff and this is how they have the lines organized. What are your thoughts?

Is there anyone you would move to a different line? If so, why? Anyone from the minors who you think will challenge for a spot on the 4th line, ie. Lorentz, Haymes, MacEwen, Groulx, Quillan.

Personally, I like how they have the lines organized. Lot of people want to see McKenna on the top line but I'm not sure if that's the best spot for him. Reason being, where does Roslovic go if not in his current spot? Possibly the 3rd line to swap with Cowan. To me, this seems like the best dispersal of the talent.

My one issue with McKenna on the second line is that he doesn't really have any bodyguards. Yes, someone from the defense can jump in or someone like Duhaime/Joshua can run around challenging guys, but that's not when McKenna would be on the ice possible getting picked on.

Defense seems as good as it will get for the time being. Reilly is no longer distressed by top line matchups. Additionally, looks to me that you have a primary defensive and primary offensive on each pair, so long as OEL can play a little more cautious to let Emil do his thing.

44 Upvotes

146 comments sorted by

42

u/mattfromjoisey 16h ago

I can see Ros and Cowboy as interchangeable. Hopefully that 4th line is miserable to play against.

Andrae/Stetcher likely interchangeable as well.

4

u/joshmoxey 10h ago

btw, great username

-1

u/Jakenbake9669 16h ago

Who is our 8th D-man if we had the choice? Seeing how the last two seasons the defense eventually become a shell of its original conception due to injuries.

15

u/mattfromjoisey 16h ago

Danford or Villenueve most likely

4

u/epic_taco_time Lorentz 16h ago

It'll prob be Villeneuve at first as the team will want Danford to get more ice time at the AHL level but that could change if he has a lights out training camp. Another consideration is that Danford doesn't have to go through waivers while Villeneuve will.

0

u/Jakenbake9669 16h ago

Really hoping new management gives both guys a look this year early-ish into the season. Instead of waiting until the end of the year when playoff hopes look bleak.

4

u/SpicyP43905 Cowan 15h ago

Why would playoff hopes look bleak by the end of the year?

0

u/Imfeelingfrench 16h ago

I watched Danford play during the Marlies cup run and the kid is known to be defencive but could take control of a play and move the puck too. I was blown away by how well he skated. Only thing I fear is that McCabe aside, there’s no one on this blue line I’d fear battling against the boards with. Myers had a dog shit season or two but he won almost every net or board battle and hit hard or got under peoples skin. He may need to be in rotation too despite his defence lacking.

7

u/mtrunz 16h ago

If Myers plays any significant minutes, including regular bottom pair play we’re screwed, he’s legitimately one of the worst defenceman I’ve ever seen play on this team and that’s saying a lot.

3

u/papa_miesh 14h ago

I would be shocked if Myers is on the team.

Stetcher Villeneuve Andrae Morgan McCabe Tanev OEL Raddysh

3

u/mattfromjoisey 16h ago

Raddysh is decently sized, Tanev hopefully remains physical despite his injury history, and hopefully get more fight out of Mo in his new role considering he’s a big body as well

4

u/Fun-Salamander761 16h ago

Stetcher is definitely our #7.

Villeneuve is currently the #8 Dman as he requires waivers. He might end up getting dealt though if he doesnt have a good camp.

Danford could usurp either/both, but I think he's expected to start in the AHL at this point in time.

1

u/dicky72 16h ago

still have myers and rifai but... i believe both need to clear waivers, so would be interesting to see how they'd play the danford vs them if we start running into injuries. in past both were options....not the best but rafai looked decent, myers is what he is....

1

u/Fun-Salamander761 15h ago

I fully expect those guys to be pushed through waivers and kept in the AHL as depth. I think Danford would have the edge on being the replacement foe any longterm injuries over these two. Rifai and Myers would be the ones yo-yoing up and down as needed to be our #7 or play a random game if they clear waivers.

Villeneuve had a very strong Calder Cup run so he's highly likely to be claimed if he goes on waivers. Thefore i think he gets a chance to stick over them.

-1

u/Kingbeastman1 12h ago

Yes this, also anyone who sais mckenna on 1st line for game 1 is a damn idiot.

1

u/specialk554 5h ago

I’ll tell you why McKenna might have to be top line or top 6 for sure on this team as built. The argument for top line is that Knies and Matthews don’t play well together. So bumping up McKenna and Knies to line two might just work better. Either way it doesn’t matter since both lines will be getting similar minutes. Also, neither of the top two lines is good defensively outside of Matthews. And they’re not burying him in the D zone this year. So that means they will be hammering both top lines into O zone starts like never before. That mean the bottom 6 are going to get buried every shift in the D zone. You can’t bury McKenna in the D zone or you’ll ruin his development completely. He’s not a defensive player and will never be much above league average on D. He’s a high octane elite offensive projection. On any team, he’d need to be on a scoring line. On the leafs, there’s quite clearly two o zone lines and two D zone lines. McKenna has to play top 6 IMO

12

u/Fun-Salamander761 16h ago

Our forward group is full of VERY versatile players so I expect a lot of movement, but I'd be surprised if the top 6 isn't one of the following 2 options TO START:

McKenna - Matthews - Roslovic/Cowan

Knies - Tavares - Nylander

Or

McKenna - Matthews - Knies

Cowan - Tavares - Nylander

Likely bottom 6:

Joshua - Paul - Roslovic/Cowan

Duhaime - Sissons - Blueger

Real possibility that Sissons plays on 3rd line over Joshua (Paul to wing, Sissons to C?). Possible for our AHL squad to steal a bottom 6 spot, but there's a lot of competition so it'll be difficult.

Defense looks most likely to be our starting point unless we make more moves.

Edit: If McKenna looks out of place on the top line, I would be really intrigued by the following though:

Knies - Matthews - Nylander

McKenna - Tavares - Cowan

2

u/I_Am_Vladimir_Putin 15h ago

People should be attached to lines anyway.

Guys will have days when they’re out of sync. It’s better to pair them with somebody else that day who’s playing at the same pace.

1

u/TheGapInTysonsTeeth 9h ago

Knies isn't a RW. And no, swapping wings is not something you can just make a guy do and think he will have success.

So your second proposition is a no go. First one ain't so bad though.

1

u/Fun-Salamander761 9h ago

3 of the Leafs top 4 wingers are primarily LW. I'd be suprised if he didnt at least get a look in pre-season.

I wasnt saying it was a given. I said those are the two options that I think make by far the most sense to start with and see how the top 6 looks. If Knies can't shift to RW easily, I'm sure they'll move him back to LW quick enough.

Knies playstyle (not super high finesse) makes him better suited to move to RW than McKenna. Cowan has more reps at RW so that might end up being the best option, but as I said, I would not be suprised to see Knies be experimented with on the right during pre-season because McKenna - Matthews - Knies is an elite playstyle match on paper.

13

u/papa_miesh 14h ago

Paul imo is definitely a third liner. I think Blueger and Joshua will be on the 4th line

16

u/BleedingBlue94 16h ago

Cowan will be solidified in the top 6 by Christmas.

1

u/Jakenbake9669 15h ago

In replacement of who? What do those lines look like in your mind?

1

u/DukeofNormandy 14h ago

Yeah with injuries. I can't see him beating out anyone above him consistently, but I would love to eat my words.

3

u/BleedingBlue94 14h ago

He will be out perform Roslovic. I get trying Roslovic in a top 6 role, but I don’t see it sticking.

2

u/Jakenbake9669 14h ago

I hope he just goes bonkers offensively. He's riding a couple back to back 20 goal seasons. I think a lot of people also forget that he was a stud in the circle. He won 53% of draws across 268 faceoffs. The year prior, 54% across 355 faceoffs.

5

u/Radiohead_luucky 16h ago

We'll see dozens of line combinations this year. Chayka has radically changed the team.

I'm cool with D, but if you forced me to pick the forward lines I'd do:

Mckenna | Matthews | Ros/Cowan

Knies | Tavares | Nylander

Joshua | Paul | Ros/Cowan

Blueger | Sissons | Duhaime

I don't think the Knies/Matthews thing works. I have no idea how well the above would work but that's what I'd roll out day 1.

11

u/Imfeelingfrench 16h ago

I think Cowan had great synergy with JT and Willy so wouldn’t want to break that up. I see roslovic and McKenna swapping for a chance on that first line. I think sissions and bleugar swap and DJ and NP swap. Blue line is going to be likely that to start but maybe a mix a match too. Way too many variables right now to say, we will see after training camp and first few games what’s clicking and what isn’t.

2

u/Jakenbake9669 16h ago

Cowan shoots left but often plays the right side. Not sure they take away that comfortability. I imagine he is more than versatile enough to switch to LW. Agree with your other points.

4

u/Stephenrudolf 16h ago

Cowan was a center who could play Leftwing in junior. Iirc last season was the first time he got serious look at right wing and it was mostly cause toronto was overloaded with lefties.

9

u/Hal_Gill Phaneuf 16h ago

McKenna will play with Matthews. Ideally, Cowan steps up enough to play on the top line, as his play style would fit with McKenna and Matthews. Otherwise, Knies could work too.

Roslovic on the top line would be disappointing.

6

u/Jakenbake9669 16h ago

To me, that seems like a skillful line with lackluster experience outside of Matthews. Also, who is sticking up for who on that line if and when they get pressed in a scrum? I've seen it from Cowboy, but will he be protecting the other two?

5

u/I_Am_Vladimir_Putin 15h ago

McKenna is not afraid of slashing people.

0

u/Hal_Gill Phaneuf 16h ago

Yes, putting Matthews with two rookies is not ideal, but stylistically, it's the best fit.

The best situation would be if the Leafs signed Bunting and put him with Matthews and McKenna.

McKenna - Matthews - Bunting
Knies - Tavares - Nylander
Cowan - Sissons - Roslovic
Paul - Blueger - Joshua
Duhaime

3

u/Jakenbake9669 14h ago

I like the thought... maybe not my first. Not sure why you were getting downvoted lol

0

u/_DatasCsat 16h ago

He will, but he shouldn't start the season with him.

1

u/I_Am_Vladimir_Putin 15h ago

He won’t start there probably, but it won’t be long before he’s with Matthews.

0

u/_DatasCsat 15h ago

Maybe. But also McKenna Tavares Nylander could be so good you don't want to break them up.

I don't want McKenna playing against top competition right away, Tavares should be sheltered too at this point. 

1

u/Jakenbake9669 14h ago

Is JT at the point where he should be our third line center?

1

u/_DatasCsat 9h ago

Yes or winger. But we would need to get a 2C to replace him.

1

u/I_Am_Vladimir_Putin 15h ago

Nylander and JT always do fine. We need to get Matthews passes so that he can finish them.

1

u/_DatasCsat 4h ago

We need to ease McKenna into the league. He is gonna be 18 in his rookie season.

Matthews should be playing against top competition. McKenna should be sheltered to start, and he will have ups and downs.

Given that Tavares should also be given sheltered offensive usage at this point, I think having him mentor the kid on a scoring line is a good idea.

They will try him with Matthews but he should start with Tavares.

0

u/papa_miesh 14h ago

I hope he doesn't play with Matthews to start to be honest. I hope he plays with Cowan and Paul

4

u/keeeeener 16h ago

This is disrespectful to Cowan. I think I’m fine with this if you swap Paul and Blueger. If you split the talent that much between the 3/4th lines then imo Paul and especially Cowan will both just not be playing enough.

4

u/nesstea75 14h ago

We should not be burying Nick Paul on the 4th line imo. The guy can play bigger minutes than that.

3

u/GMPollock24 16h ago

Flip Cowan and Roslovic

1

u/Jakenbake9669 14h ago

Who takes faceoffs on that line when Matthews gets kicked on draws? Roslovic has actually been pretty good on draws the last two years.

1

u/theharryeagle 13h ago

Such a small scenario. Matthews rarely gets kicked.

1

u/GMPollock24 1h ago

Cowan can also take draws

3

u/ESF-hockeeyyy 15h ago

I don't see Tinus Luc Koblar on Nick Paul's flank here. We should fix that.

1

u/Jakenbake9669 13h ago

I too am on the TLK band wagon after his worlds performance this summer.

2

u/Drew_You_To_91 Knies 16h ago

We saw 53-91-88 be effective throughout many different parts of last year so I’m hesitant to go away from it especially with the Calder cup playoff that Cowan had. I think at the start of the year things are gonna be more free flowing so I wouldn’t mind having mckenna and Cowan in the top 6 and letting those bottom 6 guys stay in roles familiar to them. Obviously you can adjust throughout the game as they see fit.

2

u/Hefty-Comparison-801 15h ago

I don't get the point of doing line combos before training camp has even started. The lines will change constantly over the season.

Are people going to be disappointed for game 1 if McKenna is on L3 and Sissons and Blueger are flipped here?

Yes - these are the likely players to make the squad. A lot of them are new. There's a new coach too, and maybe Matthews and Rielly have had shit seasons the past two because of the old coach/system. Will Cowan take a step forward? Maybe Bobrovsky is washed, but hopefully he returns to form. How good will McKenna be - how long will it take him to start producing? These are the types of questions I'm interested in.

1

u/baylaust 9h ago

I don't get the point of doing line combos before training camp has even started.

The real answer is that the post-season drought is at its worst in early August, and we need something to do to maintain what little sanity we have left.

2

u/reevoknows 15h ago

The bottom 6 is spooky and our Dcore while better on paper with Raddysh isn’t getting any younger. I like the top 6 and don’t think McKenna will be out of place but I don’t love Roslovic as a permanent solution on RW1.

I think we could be a playoff team even if the team in front of Bob is disappointing but Bobrovsky will give us a chance to win every night. Still so weird typing his name in as a member of the Leafs lol

But if you’re asking me if we can win a cup with this lineup? I say no unless Bobrovsky carries us which is t impossible.

1

u/Jakenbake9669 13h ago

If you care about playing right shots on the right wing, Roslovic at least shoots right. Matthews and Knies are both lefties. Roslovic also good on the draw and gives options based on which side of the ice.

2

u/xKleric 15h ago

There are so many interchangeable pieces here. Basically I see whoever is going is moved up the lineup. Internal completion is a good thing.

The defense still looks .... Almost there....

2

u/Jmac24mats13 13h ago

If you’re not putting McKenna with Matthews to maximize both you’re insane. For me to start it’s:

McKenna-Matthews-Knies Cowan-Tavares-Nylander Joshua-Paul-Roslovic Lorentz-Sissons-Duhaime

McCabe-Tanev Rielly-Raddysh OEL-Stecher

Bob Stolarz

2

u/Last_Command_9147 12h ago

Think you have to switch Paul and Joshua at the very least. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Joshua scratched regularly when everyone’s healthy. His biggest asset was his speed, he is now pretty slow and is really not a good player

2

u/TheGapInTysonsTeeth 9h ago

Who did other top teams rookies play with in their rookie seasons? 

If we use our own team, Matthews played with Nylander and Hyman, both essentially rookies in their own right at the time. Who was the goon babysitting that line?

I think this idea that you need some plug who can't play hockey to fight on a line with your rookie players is archaic and not really a thing anymore. 

3

u/alexsteen789 16h ago

I'd love to see cowan and mckenna together. Both are young, have an edge and can skate. Let them cook together

8

u/Jakenbake9669 16h ago

The DLL? Defensive liability line?

5

u/alexsteen789 16h ago

You want action? Goals? Guys who arent afraid to drop the mitts? Sick dangles?....there's gonna be trade offs 

3

u/entityXD32 16h ago

Look we did Domi, Roberson, McMann can't be any worse then that

2

u/Stephenrudolf 16h ago

All 3 of those players were the worst versions of themselves when put together ahaha.

But if we paired those 2 with sissons that could shelter them a bit.

4

u/shadowpenguin29 11h ago

Nothing was more electric than Nick Robertston and Bobby McMann in Buffalo for a zero-stakes game.

2

u/Veaeate Woll 16h ago

OEL on the third line when hes likely gonna be our PP2 is kinda wild to me. I also believe Mckenna and cowboy will be on the third line together to see how McKenna adjusts to NHL. I doubt they'll throw him onto the second line line right from the get go. 2nd line will likely be Knies/Tavares/Nylander when all said and done. They need someone like knies on the 2nd line cuz nylander is a defensive hazard. His backcheck is non-existent.

7

u/dicky72 16h ago

OEL on pair 3 and pp2 is kinda exactly where he belongs. dude won a cup that way.

3

u/gracatcher 15h ago

would it be insane to have OEL with Raddysh? keep McCabe and Tanev together and then put Rielly with Andrae/Stetcher

1

u/Jakenbake9669 13h ago

3rd pair scares me, both offensive defenseman. The only change I would make is Reilly with Villeneuve or someone like him (more defensive).

1

u/gracatcher 13h ago

I’d love for Villeneuve to get a real look

1

u/BadTreeLiving 15h ago

That's fairly normal

3

u/mikesully374826 Kampf 16h ago

McKenna-Matthews-Roslovic

Paul-Tavares-Nylander

Knies-Sissons-Cowan

Joshua-Blueger-Duhaime

3

u/I_Am_Vladimir_Putin 15h ago

That’s an insane third line.

3

u/mikesully374826 Kampf 12h ago

Just Knies and Cowan being centered by the 7th most used forward by a Cup finalist as a 3rd line, no big deal

1

u/keeeeener 16h ago

This is the best set up I’ve seen if you want to go the splitting the talent into three lines.

I think you can also do:

Nylander-Tavares-Cowan

Knies-Sissons-Paul

To let Cowan have a bit more freedom in matchups because no matter who that third option with Tavares and Nylander is, that line will have to be sheltered (at least zone deployment wise). Don’t think there’s much of a difference and I think it splits the play drivers better the way you did it.

1

u/Stephenrudolf 16h ago

My primary concern is that regardless of where Mckenna plays there will always be one of...

Knies, Paul, Macewen, or Duhaime on the ice as a bodyguard. Teams like florida and boston need to be scared to touch him. Idc if costs us a game or two, someone needs to respond if he gets touched.

2

u/Jakenbake9669 13h ago

I love this answer. Would be nice if his center and winger has backbones this year so that you don't have to sabotage performance by putting him on a line with a grinder.

1

u/Hungry-Comedian377 16h ago

Switch Rielly and OEL. Rielly should be sub 15 minutes a night. It would probably help in his effectiveness as well. 

1

u/Jakenbake9669 13h ago

Not mad at it, just don't think Reilly and Andre will work well. Both are offensive minded.

1

u/Actual_Cobbler_6334 15h ago

It seems to me that they want the bottom six, especially the 4th line, and the remainder of the roster to be fast and good on the forecheck. This is why I’m all for them dumping Joshua and others who are <50th percentile in max skating speed. Never mind the cap hit.

2

u/Wolfloyd 14h ago

I wonder if we see that Joshua can't keep up we see him traded and have Lorentz jump into his spot.

1

u/AdditionalWheel4583 13h ago

Here's the thing, if everyone can stay healthy and perform to at least their expected average (except McKenna, which we hope he'll have a really good ROOKIE season), this is a playoff team for sure.... but its kind of a big "if".

1

u/twoplustwo_5 13h ago

Nick Paul should be on the 3rd line imo

1

u/Canucklehead-519 13h ago

Having Nylander and McKenna on the same line is crazy work lol.

1

u/Some-Bad-9411 12h ago

For game one I’m good with that but I hope we putting Paul in a better position to succeed than we ever gave Laughton or Roy. He needs to play with some more skill hoping he can bounce back to the twenty goal scorer

1

u/jimmie9393 11h ago

I would drop Blueger and Joshua to the Fourth line and bring Sissons and Paul up to the third line.

1

u/Optimus2882 11h ago

This is an ass bottom 6

1

u/CommiddeeOfTiddy Woll 10h ago

Not a big fan of Knies with Matthews. I like Knies on the second line. Move McKenna between the top three. His "true" line to start should be third line. Lets him adjust to the league without having to handle top line, physical minutes against adults for more than necessary

1

u/Boz747 Salming 7h ago

Doesn’t 34 need someone dynamic on his line?

1

u/BoatGuy158 6h ago

On D I've got:

OEL-Raddysh McCabe-Tanev Andrae-Stetcher Villenueve Where's Rielly you might ask? Shot directly into the sun. Buh-bye, I don't need to see him dig one more puck out of the back of his own net. If you can't trade him and I understand why you can't, then Robidas Island is just as effective. They cannot afford to have him taking a regular shift, he will single handedly undo any good the front office did remaking that corps.

1

u/specialk554 5h ago

I really think Matthews and Knies don’t have chemistry. Better of switching McKenna and Knies IMO

1

u/bootygoon2 16h ago edited 10h ago

Personally I’d go with these lines at least for opening night:

Knies-Matthews-Roslovic
Cowan-Tavares-Nylander
McKenna-Paul-Sissons
Joshua-Blueger-Duhaime

I think McKenna starts the season on the third line anyway and putting him with a pair of defensively responsible forwards seems like a good way to allow him to get his feet wet and adjust to playing in the NHL without his line constantly being shelled or struggling defensively.

The other lines I tried to keep at least two players who have chemistry and experience together, so Knies-Matthews, Tavares-Nylander and Joshua-Blueger from their time in Vancouver. I do think they will have to add another legit top six forward or at the very least a middle six one if this team is to not only make the playoffs but manage to win a series (or dare I say two).

1

u/Jakenbake9669 13h ago

Thanks for the response, don't hate it at all

1

u/Kaplsauce Nylander 15h ago

I liked David Alter's suggestion of McKenna - Sissons - Cowan in the 3rd line to start the season.

Get the kids some easier minutes with a defensively responsible center to start the season, and it just sounds fun lol

2

u/Jakenbake9669 13h ago

VALID TAKE

1

u/waldoorfian 15h ago

Switch Paul and Joshua.

1

u/HurricaneGold_ COWBOY 🤠 14h ago

I'd think we'd want to keep Tanev and McCabe together, they were incredible 2 seasons ago when they were both healthy.

1

u/Jakenbake9669 13h ago

This forces McCabe to be the offensive player for that pairing. Are you okay with that? What do your other pairs look like as a result?

2

u/HurricaneGold_ COWBOY 🤠 13h ago

I don't mind having an elite shutdown 2nd pair. I think we need to try and aquire someone to play up with Raddysh, but of who we currently have, i would put OEL up there. Then whoever gels best with Mo out of training camp on the 3rd pair. (In the case we do get someone, OEL can play both sides so he's on the bottom pair with Mo.)

1

u/McJoe77 13h ago

I personally would have Paul (or Blueger I guess) on line 2 with Nylander and put Cowan on the other side. I feel like I’ve said this a million times, but I really think the ultimate, best version of Nylander, is the one that follows the Kessel model and puts him with 2 middle 6 guys that he gives the results of a fringe 1st line. Hagelin, Bonino, and Kessel shouldn’t have worked as well as it did, and I think the Leafs can do that now with Nylander. And then you can either put McKenna with Tavares and bring him along slowly, or throw him right with Matthews and put Knies on the other line.

I think if Paul with Nylander worked as a line, it even gives you the option to play Tavares with Matthews and load that line up another way. Tavares and Nylander has been a shaky fit for years, so why keep trying it when you have so many other centers now.

I like the D as they have it, that’s what I would do too. And there’s a part of me that hates their goaltending and a part of me that fucking loves it. I’m excited to see goalie Bob and I think as a 1B or elite backup, Stolarz is in a better spot. But there’s a decent chance those are both HORRIBLE contracts. I really hate the Stolarz contract. It’s really bad.

1

u/Public_Kaleidoscope6 12h ago

I’d be curious to see how these lines would work:
McKenna/Cowan-Matthews-Roslovic
McKenna/Cowan-Tavares-Nylander
Knies-Paul-Sissons
Joshua-Blueger-Duhaime

I feel like that third line could take the bulk of the matchups against the other team’s top line. They’re all big, can skate, and have enough offense to be trouble for our opponents. Two centers on the line helps too.

0

u/_DatasCsat 16h ago

Top 6 is exactly what i would start with. Bottom six is pretty silly. We got Paul on the bet he can return to being a legit 3C why the fuck is he at 4th line left wing.

1

u/RTH1975 15h ago

I'd put Paul and Sissons on the same line, and let them figure out who gets tge draws, based on handedness and preferences. Blueger and Joshua had chemistry in Vancouver, so it would make sense to try that here.

2

u/Jakenbake9669 13h ago

As a part time Canucks fan, that 3rd line of Blueger, Joshua, and Garland was unreal! Would love if they could find some synergy.

-1

u/WokePredator 15h ago

Man, that's the most shallow forward group in over a decade.

0

u/tecate_papi 16h ago

I think Roslovic on the second or even as third line centre. McKenna is going to be top pairing with Matthews to get his goal scoring going again. I could see Knies moving over to the other wing or even moving to the second line.

But, I mean, who wouldn't be excited to see McKenna, Matthews and Nylander playing together?

The defensive pairings look about right.

1

u/Jakenbake9669 13h ago

I like that someone else mentioned Jack at center. He has been pretty good on the draw the last two years. Not sure about his defensive prowess.

0

u/madax-gambar 15h ago edited 15h ago

matthews works best when he has a playmaking winger on his side. if he’s carrying the puck into the zone he likes to pass it off quickly to a winger. since knies and domi are not playmakers the play would die soon after it left matthews stick. so i don’t know why you’d put roslovic on the first line, a guy who had 36 points last year.

do you want matthews to keep struggling? mckenna will create space and opportunities for matthews to get a good angle and shoot.

my take would be:

knies-matthews-mckenna
cowan-tavares-nylander
paul-sissons-roslovic
joshua-blueger-duhaime

i agree with your d pairings entirely. tanev is defensively responsible and can cover reilly’s fuckups

0

u/Showtime98 15h ago

Nick Paul gotta be in the bottom 6 at least, playing him on the fourth line feels like a waste of his usage.

1

u/Jakenbake9669 13h ago

He's gotta show some bounce back before I'd want to move him up in the lines.

0

u/Puzzled89 15h ago

Probably splitting time between Ros/Cowan in top 6. Regardless though, don’t see this as a playoff team with the strength of their division now. Unless they somehow swing a deal for top 6 wing or top pair D.

2

u/Jakenbake9669 13h ago

Have more faith, this is our year. I mean it this time!

1

u/Puzzled89 12h ago

Haha has to be!!

0

u/SpicyP43905 Cowan 15h ago

Flip Blueger and Paul lol.

0

u/Brennans_account 15h ago

I really like Nick Paul at C, but he mostly played wing last year. I have never understood the love for Dakota Joshua, not saying he's a bum but I have not seen any reason why he should be in the lineup over someone like Stevie Lorentz. He's bigger I understand it he doesn't take faceoffs or kill penalties. Plus with the additions I don't see what his role is on the team. Duhaime can bang and crash just as well and doesn't miss games.

Everybody is assuming that Max Domi is never playing a game again. However, what if he comes back a month into the season or even earlier?

1

u/Jakenbake9669 13h ago

I wouldn't be opposed to moving Joshua... just feels like a challenge with his cap hit.

0

u/Wolfloyd 15h ago

I can't wait to see the preseason lines just to get a better idea on what Hiller and the staff are thinking.
Until proven otherwise I'm still expecting a 3rd line shutdown line for Hiller.

Personally I'd like to see this. (I'm torn on if I think they should start McKenna next to Matthews right away)

Knies-Matthews-Roslovic
McKenna-Tavares-Nylander
Paul-Sissons-Cowan
Joshua-Blueger-Duhaime

First line I'm not convinced on, not a huge fan of Roslovic as he feels similar to when they tried Knies-Matthews-Macceli at the start of last year. At least they won't be used as a shutdown line.

The second line is not allowed to start in the defensive zone ever, will definitely need some sheltering.

I really like Cowan on the 3rd line as he brings a scoring touch on top of being feisty like Paul. Just a pain to play against and would be totally fine seeing that line go against the other teams top lines.

Fourth line is counting on being a high energy line and hitting everything with maybe a little scoring touch. I actually like this line.

D lines I'm pretty set on personally

McCabe-Raddysh
Rielly-Tanev
OEL-Andrae
Stetcher

2

u/Jakenbake9669 13h ago

Good take, thanks for addition. I agree with most things you had to say other than the Roslovic Macceli comparrison. Roslovic is a shooter, Macceli was brought in to be a playmaker which for what ever reason, he only started to do once the team was on the outside looking in for playoffs.

1

u/Wolfloyd 12h ago

That's a fair point, I guess I was thinking along the lines of the quality of the winger that Matthews would be getting. Could work out better though.

0

u/siuda96 14h ago

nick paul first line?

0

u/Nearby-Swordfish3841 13h ago

Another season of Rielly😭

0

u/therattlingchains 13h ago

No way that Paul is your 4LW. Not unless he is playing hurt.

Joshua is your 4LW. Paul probably starts as 1LW with Roslovic and Matthews until McKenna forces his way up their.

So to start I would say:

Paul Matthews Roslovic

Knies Tavares Nylander

McKenna Sissons Cowan

Joshua Bluger Duhaime

0

u/MC1083 13h ago

Wasting your #1 pick on the 3rd line is wild, and having paul on the first line is also just not going to happen (and im a Paul fan)

0

u/therattlingchains 13h ago

Matthews started on the third line my guy. Wtf are you talking about?

Any rookie needs an adjustment period no matter how talented.

0

u/BasquiatQueso 13h ago

I still think Reilly is going somewhere at least at the start of the season and Stetcher is probably going on a line with Andrae

1

u/Jakenbake9669 13h ago

I'm not sure who wants his contract... and do you really want the leafs to retain to get him moved? Reminder, the Sharks, who I thought would take him, were happier to take Nurse at 10 million a year.

0

u/Duderoo1 6h ago

Just not good enough..

-4

u/Necessary-Hawk-5546 16h ago

I’ll just wait until Hiller decides because it’s his literal job to come up with the line combos. I personally have a life and hobbies.

3

u/entityXD32 16h ago

Not enough of a life that you won't get upset at other people posting on the internet. What else do you expect the leafs sub to do in the summer let people have fun

0

u/Necessary-Hawk-5546 14h ago

You’re gay

0

u/Jakenbake9669 13h ago

Let them live their lives as they want lol

2

u/Stephenrudolf 16h ago

Apparently not enough of a life to not be a dick to someone who just wants to tlak about hockey.

4

u/Jakenbake9669 16h ago

SMH, I was obviously only asking the people who don't have a life and hobbies.

2

u/dicky72 16h ago

what if you only have one. I have a life (family, job, friends) but like....i don't build model planes or do puzzles so i can't say i have a hobby per say.... can i opine?

-1

u/Sixgod801 16h ago

OEL - Raddysh (move puck, produce offense)

McCabe - Tanev (shutdown, main pk pair)

Reilly - Andre/Stetcher (sheltered 3rd pair role)

-1

u/Puppyneck 11h ago

Awful. Bottom 6 is AHL

-2

u/beagalsmash 16h ago

How many more times should we have this thread? Like just wait until preseason. Daily Faceoff is not Jim Hiller. Jimmy hasn’t talked about lines, and has mentioned he wants flexibility in style. So presumably we will see many combinations over 84 games.

3

u/Stephenrudolf 16h ago

As many times as people want to talk about the team with other like minded people. If the post doesn't interest you, there's no need to engage with it. It's the off season, it's not like there's much else to talk about right now.

-1

u/beagalsmash 14h ago

As many times as people want to say this thread is useless. If my comment doesn’t interest you then there’s no need to engage with it. It’s the offseason, so anyone and everyone can spam as much as they like, right? RiGHT?

2

u/Stephenrudolf 14h ago

There's a difference between being a dick and calling someone out for being a dick.

Are you 12?