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Toronto Maple Leafs: 2019 Opening Night Line-Up

By Alicia DiDomenico

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)
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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Possible Defense Pairings

Rielly – Hainsey**

Muzzin – Dermott

Holl – Zaitsev

Now, the defence pairings are set with the mindset that Jake Gardiner will not be returning to the Maple Leafs, and that Justin Holl actually sees some playing time. If not, these pairings could look different, but expect to see Rielly, Muzzin, and Dermott as locks for the blue line.

This is also written in mind of Ozhiganov likely to return to playing in Russia, and the other looming question is who moves out in place of Calle Rosen, another likely lock to a roster spot next year. Look to see someone on the bottom defence pair swap for him, or if Hainsey departs in July, look for Rosen to slot right into the lineup.

Goaltenders

Frederik Andersen is pretty much a lock for the Starting Goaltender, but the backup goalie is a little bit in limbo. Garret Sparks was pulled from the lineup before the playoffs to work on his confidence and hone his skills, but it’s unknown whether he returns as the backup goalie next season. If he doesn’t, does Michael Hutchinson become the backup to Frederik Andersen? Or do we see Dubas go searching the trade/free agent market come July?

Next. Sheldon Keefe's Masterpiece. dark

Only time will tell who laces up the skates at Scotiabank Arena this season, but it will for sure be an interesting offseason to watch.

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