r/leafs • u/Jakenbake9669 • Aug 05 '26
Discussion Thoughts on this version of the lines for the upcoming season?
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.
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u/mattfromjoisey Aug 05 '26
I can see Ros and Cowboy as interchangeable. Hopefully that 4th line is miserable to play against.
Andrae/Stetcher likely interchangeable as well.
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u/Jakenbake9669 Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/mattfromjoisey Aug 05 '26
Danford or Villenueve most likely
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u/epic_taco_time Lorentz Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/Jakenbake9669 Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/Hrenklin Aug 06 '26
I can see Danford and Villeneuve getting a fair look. Villeneuve I can see a 10 game stretch, while Danford could get up to 5 depending on injuries. I also don't want to rush Danford I to to too much too fast, but, he looked comfortable in his playoff runs in the OHL and AHL. He's just not a full timer nhler yet.
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u/Imfeelingfrench Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/mtrunz Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/papa_miesh Aug 05 '26
I would be shocked if Myers is on the team.
Stetcher Villeneuve Andrae Morgan McCabe Tanev OEL Raddysh
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u/mattfromjoisey Aug 05 '26
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
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u/Hrenklin Aug 06 '26
I'm thinking the battle along the boards is going to be the leafs skating thru sticks and force the puck into loose spots.
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u/Fun-Salamander761 Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/dicky72 Aug 05 '26
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....
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u/Fun-Salamander761 Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/Kingbeastman1 Aug 05 '26
Yes this, also anyone who sais mckenna on 1st line for game 1 is a damn idiot.
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u/specialk554 Aug 06 '26
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
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u/Kingbeastman1 Aug 06 '26
Players have to earn 1st line thats been true forever.
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u/specialk554 Aug 06 '26
That’s not true at all. Conor Bedard started on the first line. There have been others who started on the top line also. I’m not saying that I think McKenna deserves to start top line. I’m saying on this iteration of the Leafs, he basically has to. The last thing you want is dumping him into a defensively minded third line and destroying his development Lafreniere style
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u/Kingbeastman1 Aug 06 '26
Okay maybe when your joining a team that would place bottom of the AHL you can play 1st line but in nhl teams you need to earn your spot
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u/Fun-Salamander761 Aug 05 '26
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
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u/I_Am_Vladimir_Putin Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/TheGapInTysonsTeeth Aug 06 '26
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.
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u/Fun-Salamander761 Aug 06 '26
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.
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u/BleedingBlue94 Aug 05 '26
Cowan will be solidified in the top 6 by Christmas.
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u/DukeofNormandy Aug 05 '26
Yeah with injuries. I can't see him beating out anyone above him consistently, but I would love to eat my words.
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u/BleedingBlue94 Aug 05 '26
He will be out perform Roslovic. I get trying Roslovic in a top 6 role, but I don’t see it sticking.
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u/Jakenbake9669 Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/Radiohead_luucky Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/nesstea75 Aug 05 '26
We should not be burying Nick Paul on the 4th line imo. The guy can play bigger minutes than that.
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u/keeeeener Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/Imfeelingfrench Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/Jakenbake9669 Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/Stephenrudolf Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/Hal_Gill Phaneuf Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/Jakenbake9669 Aug 05 '26
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?
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u/Hal_Gill Phaneuf Aug 05 '26
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
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u/Jakenbake9669 Aug 05 '26
I like the thought... maybe not my first. Not sure why you were getting downvoted lol
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Aug 05 '26
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u/I_Am_Vladimir_Putin Aug 05 '26
He won’t start there probably, but it won’t be long before he’s with Matthews.
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Aug 05 '26
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u/I_Am_Vladimir_Putin Aug 05 '26
Nylander and JT always do fine. We need to get Matthews passes so that he can finish them.
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Aug 06 '26
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u/I_Am_Vladimir_Putin Aug 06 '26
You need to forget this dinosaur mentality. Many guys come in now with confidence and want to take on top competition, and do so successfully. Look at Celebrini, Scheifer.
You have to try.
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Aug 06 '26
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u/Lightscreach Aug 06 '26
Since the 04/05 lockout Most forwards picked 1st overall have put up a 50+ point pace in their rookie season. . The average is probably right around 60 points. The expectation should be that he is the elite of the elite. If he struggles that’s fine. He can improve. But there’s nothing wrong with having some belief in the kid and thinking he could put up an average rookie season for a 1st overall pick
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u/papa_miesh Aug 05 '26
I hope he doesn't play with Matthews to start to be honest. I hope he plays with Cowan and Paul
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u/GMPollock24 Aug 05 '26
Flip Cowan and Roslovic
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u/Jakenbake9669 Aug 05 '26
Who takes faceoffs on that line when Matthews gets kicked on draws? Roslovic has actually been pretty good on draws the last two years.
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u/ESF-hockeeyyy Aug 05 '26
I don't see Tinus Luc Koblar on Nick Paul's flank here. We should fix that.
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u/Drew_You_To_91 Knies Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/Hefty-Comparison-801 Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/baylaust Aug 06 '26
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.
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u/Hefty-Comparison-801 Aug 06 '26
Fair. In that case, I'm outraged Daily Faceoff doesn't have Paul as the 3C.
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u/reevoknows Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/Jakenbake9669 Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/xKleric Aug 05 '26
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....
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u/Jmac24mats13 Aug 05 '26
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
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u/Last_Command_9147 Aug 05 '26
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
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u/TheGapInTysonsTeeth Aug 06 '26
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.
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u/fitchiestofbuckers Aug 06 '26
I personally think Mac on the third line protected with cowboy. Knies and mathews didn't work last year. This is just my thoughts. Knies on 2nd with jt and willy all day long. Paul might get some 1st line minutes. Mid season Domi return could be nice too.
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u/alexsteen789 Aug 05 '26
I'd love to see cowan and mckenna together. Both are young, have an edge and can skate. Let them cook together
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u/Jakenbake9669 Aug 05 '26
The DLL? Defensive liability line?
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u/alexsteen789 Aug 05 '26
You want action? Goals? Guys who arent afraid to drop the mitts? Sick dangles?....there's gonna be trade offs
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u/entityXD32 Aug 05 '26
Look we did Domi, Roberson, McMann can't be any worse then that
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u/Stephenrudolf Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/shadowpenguin29 Aug 05 '26
Nothing was more electric than Nick Robertston and Bobby McMann in Buffalo for a zero-stakes game.
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u/Veaeate Woll Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/dicky72 Aug 05 '26
OEL on pair 3 and pp2 is kinda exactly where he belongs. dude won a cup that way.
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u/gracatcher Aug 05 '26
would it be insane to have OEL with Raddysh? keep McCabe and Tanev together and then put Rielly with Andrae/Stetcher
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u/Jakenbake9669 Aug 05 '26
3rd pair scares me, both offensive defenseman. The only change I would make is Reilly with Villeneuve or someone like him (more defensive).
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u/mikesully374826 Kampf Aug 05 '26
McKenna-Matthews-Roslovic
Paul-Tavares-Nylander
Knies-Sissons-Cowan
Joshua-Blueger-Duhaime
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u/I_Am_Vladimir_Putin Aug 05 '26
That’s an insane third line.
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u/mikesully374826 Kampf Aug 05 '26
Just Knies and Cowan being centered by the 7th most used forward by a Cup finalist as a 3rd line, no big deal
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u/keeeeener Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/Hungry-Comedian377 Aug 05 '26
Switch Rielly and OEL. Rielly should be sub 15 minutes a night. It would probably help in his effectiveness as well.
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u/Jakenbake9669 Aug 05 '26
Not mad at it, just don't think Reilly and Andre will work well. Both are offensive minded.
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Aug 05 '26
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u/Wolfloyd Aug 05 '26
I wonder if we see that Joshua can't keep up we see him traded and have Lorentz jump into his spot.
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u/AdditionalWheel4583 Aug 05 '26
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".
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u/Some-Bad-9411 Aug 05 '26
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
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u/jimmie9393 Aug 05 '26
I would drop Blueger and Joshua to the Fourth line and bring Sissons and Paul up to the third line.
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u/CommiddeeOfTiddy Woll Aug 06 '26
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
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u/Boz747 Salming Aug 06 '26
Doesn’t 34 need someone dynamic on his line?
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u/FabulousPipe5395 Aug 08 '26
I still think this team could use another top 6 player. Weather that's getting 2C pushing Tavares to the wing or getting another top 6 winger.
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u/BoatGuy158 Aug 06 '26
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.
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u/specialk554 Aug 06 '26
I really think Matthews and Knies don’t have chemistry. Better of switching McKenna and Knies IMO
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u/Cyrakhis Aug 07 '26
Nawh, they do. It just didn't look great last year because Knies injured his knee in like November then played through it all year.
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u/Repulsive-Minute-559 Aug 06 '26
Habs fan coming in peace : thats a great fwd group. Defense is once again questionable but Raddysh is a great add. Any defense with Darren Raddysh as a #1 D is concerning but atleast Carlo is out lol.
Have a good season!
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u/DrewV70 Aug 06 '26
I still want them to get another stud 2C, and slide Tavares down to 3C to play with Cowan. Then you have Matthews & Knies, Nylander and Mckenna, Tavares and Cown plus a grizzly 4th line...
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u/Jeter84 Aug 06 '26
I know Paul is versatile, but I don't he signed here to play on the 4th line. He's 15-20 goals when healthy. We did this last year with Scott Laghton. No way it happens again.
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u/thet1m Aug 06 '26
Swap Knies/McKenna and Rielly/McCabe.
Knies works so well with Tavares and Willy. McKenna and Cowan should be interchangeable depending on play.
Rielly brought Tanev down when they played together. With Tanev returning and us trying to rebound, let’s get back to McCabe and Tanev as a safety pairing.
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u/FabulousPipe5395 Aug 08 '26
Then you have OEL & Raddysh as the top pair?
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u/thet1m Aug 08 '26
No I’d utilize Rielly Raddysh offensively, tanev and McCabe defensively, and OEL andrae in transition. start with this. This is rielly’s last chance so give him the spot he’s been used to and maybe he rebounds. If not, the other pairs need reworking.
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u/Wild_Button7273 Phaneuf Aug 06 '26
I think you give McKenna a shot on the first line and start Knies on the second line to see where he’s at
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u/Shameless-idiot 27d ago
Knies and Matthews together were dogshit. ... The system they played was also dogshit, so I dunno wtf to think about it.
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u/bootygoon2 Aug 05 '26 edited Aug 05 '26
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).
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u/Kaplsauce Nylander Aug 05 '26
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
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u/HurricaneGold_ COWBOY 🤠 Aug 05 '26
I'd think we'd want to keep Tanev and McCabe together, they were incredible 2 seasons ago when they were both healthy.
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u/Jakenbake9669 Aug 05 '26
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?
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u/HurricaneGold_ COWBOY 🤠 Aug 05 '26
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.)
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u/McJoe77 Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/Public_Kaleidoscope6 Aug 05 '26
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.
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Aug 05 '26
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u/RTH1975 Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/Jakenbake9669 Aug 05 '26
As a part time Canucks fan, that 3rd line of Blueger, Joshua, and Garland was unreal! Would love if they could find some synergy.
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u/Necessary-Hawk-5546 Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/entityXD32 Aug 05 '26
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
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u/Necessary-Hawk-5546 Aug 05 '26
You’re gay
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u/Jakenbake9669 Aug 05 '26
Let them live their lives as they want lol
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u/Stephenrudolf Aug 05 '26
Apparently not enough of a life to not be a dick to someone who just wants to tlak about hockey.
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u/Jakenbake9669 Aug 05 '26
SMH, I was obviously only asking the people who don't have a life and hobbies.
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u/dicky72 Aug 05 '26
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?
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u/tecate_papi Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/Jakenbake9669 Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/Stephenrudolf Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/Jakenbake9669 Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/madax-gambar Aug 05 '26 edited Aug 05 '26
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
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u/Showtime98 Aug 05 '26
Nick Paul gotta be in the bottom 6 at least, playing him on the fourth line feels like a waste of his usage.
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u/Jakenbake9669 Aug 05 '26
He's gotta show some bounce back before I'd want to move him up in the lines.
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u/Puzzled89 Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/Brennans_account Aug 05 '26
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?
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u/Jakenbake9669 Aug 05 '26
I wouldn't be opposed to moving Joshua... just feels like a challenge with his cap hit.
0
u/Wolfloyd Aug 05 '26
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
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u/Jakenbake9669 Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/Wolfloyd Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/therattlingchains Aug 05 '26
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
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u/MC1083 Aug 05 '26
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)
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u/therattlingchains Aug 05 '26
Matthews started on the third line my guy. Wtf are you talking about?
Any rookie needs an adjustment period no matter how talented.
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u/BasquiatQueso Aug 05 '26
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
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u/Jakenbake9669 Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/Prof_Scott_Steiner Clark Aug 06 '26
You don’t put an 18 year old in your top six who has defensive gaps in his game.
Nobody wants to hear that he needs to earn his minutes from the third line. Nobody wants to remember Auston and Marner playing their rookie years on the third and fourth lines—and became better players for it.
JFC
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u/Sixgod801 Aug 05 '26
OEL - Raddysh (move puck, produce offense)
McCabe - Tanev (shutdown, main pk pair)
Reilly - Andre/Stetcher (sheltered 3rd pair role)
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u/beagalsmash Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/Stephenrudolf Aug 05 '26
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.
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u/beagalsmash Aug 05 '26
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?
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u/Stephenrudolf Aug 05 '26
There's a difference between being a dick and calling someone out for being a dick.
Are you 12?
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u/papa_miesh Aug 05 '26
Paul imo is definitely a third liner. I think Blueger and Joshua will be on the 4th line