Toronto Maple Leafs preview: John Tavares has Leafs on the edge of glory
Projected Lineup
On paper, the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to ice arguably one of the best lineups they’ve ever iced. Considering they’ve been around as a franchise for over 100 years, that’s quite the feat. A quick note – this roster assumes the Leafs sign William Nylander at some point. As of the publication of this article, they have not.
Forwards
Patrick Marleau – Auston Matthews – William Nylander
Zach Hyman – John Tavares – Mitch Marner
Andreas Johnsson – Nazem Kadri – Kasperi Kapanen
Tyler Ennis – Par Lindholm – Connor Brown
Extra forward candidates: Frederik Gauthier, Josh Leivo, Josh Jooris, Trevor Moore
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Other than maybe the Pittsburgh Penguins, no team has a better center trio than the Maple Leafs. The difference between the Pens and the Leafs is the latter has better wings. Nylander and Matthews are an amazing duo who need a perfect third guy to form an amazing trio. Marleau has the skill set needed to be that guy.
At first, I expect Hyman will play with Tavares and Marner. This might draw some anger from Leafs fans, but Hyman is great at retrieving pucks. That’s what Marner and Tavares need. The former is one of the league’s best playmakers and is primed for a breakout season. Meanwhile, the latter needs no introduction as he’s one of the NHL’s elite centers.
Johnsson is an interesting guy. I could see him ending up on the second line by the end of the season. He’s got a great two-way game and has a high hockey IQ. That should make him a great fit as one of Kadri’s wings. Kapanen has perfected his defensive game and could be ready to blossom with some consistent (and good) linemates.
Ennis has impressed the Leafs quite a bit in preseason, so I think he sticks. Lindholm will likely have the fourth line center role on lockdown by the end of the season. He might not be fully ready to start, as he’ll be transitioning from overseas. But it’s worth noting the Leafs have options. Brown is a versatile guy who can play anywhere in the middle six (second or third line), but on this stacked team, he’s on the fourth line.
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Defense
Jake Gardiner – Nikita Zaitsev
Travis Dermott – Connor Carrick
Extra defenseman candidates: Igor Ozhiganov, Justin Holl
The sooner the Maple Leafs separate that first pairing, the better. They simply aren’t good together. Rielly isn’t the issue, as he’s one of the NHL’s better left-handed defensemen. Hainsey, though, should be in a third pairing role at best. However, Babcock does not agree.
Gardiner, despite his abysmal Game 7, is a very good defenseman. Expect him to continue to consistently put up points. Zaitsev is coming off a disappointing sophomore season. The Leafs are hoping he gets back on track and resembles the player he was during the 2016-17 season.
Dermott gained the trust of Babcock last season, which says a lot considering he’s usually reluctant to trust young defensemen. The last spot on the right side is up for grabs, but my guess is some combination of Carrick, Ozhiganov, and Holl will rotate until Babcock finds a guy who sticks.
Goaltenders
Garret Sparks
The Toronto Maple Leafs are probably going to lose a goalie soon, whether it’s via a trade or by waivers. Andersen is the clear starter, but the backup role could be interesting. McElhinney, Sparks, and Pickard would each have to go through waivers. I think Pickard could sneak through, but given Sparks’ impressive AHL numbers and McElhinney’s numbers last season, I don’t think either is getting through waivers.