FOURTH LINE: Josh Leivo – Par Lindholm – Connor Brown
Remember the days when every team’s fourth line was loaded with enforcers? Those days are no more.
Connor Brown scored twenty goals in 2016-17. While he took a step back last year, the fact that a player of his calibre is on the Leafs’ fourth line just goes to show how incredible their offensive depth is. Mike Babcock made it sound like overseas signing Par Lindholm would fill the gap on the fourth line after a very successful SHL season that saw him put up 47 points in 49 games for Skelleftea AIK of the SHL.
Meanwhile on the left side, I think this is the year Josh Leivo gets his shot as a full time Leaf. He’s another one of those guys who hasn’t been able to maintain a consistent roster spot in the NHL despite impressing in several of his short stints. Unless somebody like Josh Jooris or Adam Cracknell comes out and impresses in training camp, I think this is Leivo’s chance to lose.
Of course nothing is written in stone and the Leafs could still acquire more players or make some trades.