Toronto Maple Leafs: 2019 Opening Night Line-Up

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 21: Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during warm up before a game against the Boston Bruins during Game Six of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Scotiabank Arena on April 21, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Fourth Line

Marleau-Gauthier-Ennis

The fourth line, too, is based on the sense that Tyler Ennis remains with the Toronto Maple Leafs. If not, look to see a Marlies call up in September. This line could be effective for the Toronto Maple Leafs, if used correctly. In any given game, the fourth line doesn’t see much ice time as it is, so when this line comes on the ice they can provide either some offence, or some much-needed defence in the case of securing a lead late in a game.

But, is Gauthier really skilled enough to play at the NHL level? Should the Leafs play him on the fourth line or Petan, who was acquired from Winnipeg?

Personally, I think it should be Petan. When Petan centred Moore and Ennis, that line was flying, and they were speedy. Speedy lines could be a difference maker, and if so, Petan is the better choice. However, if the Leafs want someone of more size, as to what Babcock had been saying, then look to Gauthier slotted in, with perhaps a Marchment type call-up from the Marlies.

This line is the one with the most grey area surrounding it, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out.

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