There is still work to be done on completing the composition of the Toronto Maple Leafs before the pucks drops.
Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving has until Sep. 27 before preseason begins and Oct. 11 before the regular season’s opening matchup against the Montreal Canadiens.
Treliving has done enough work to begin predicting what the Leafs lineup will look like when the Habs come to town for that first contest of the season.
Here are some guesses as to how they’ll look on opening night.
Projecting the Toronto Maple Leafs Forward Lines to Start the Season
Line 1:
The Toronto Maple Leafs top line should remain mostly in tact. Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner should continue their on-ice marriage this season. The only question is who will be joining them. The highly coveted spot’s top candidates are Matthew Knies and the Leafs latest left wing acquisition, Tyler Bertuzzi.
Inevitably, Bertuzzi will win out over the rookie. This is a great opportunity for the 28-year-old on a one-year deal. This will give him the best linemates he’s ever had, which could propel him to another level of offensive production. Considering Bertuzzi will be negotiating a new contract next summer, he is getting an excellent opportunity to increase his personal value.
Tyler Bertuzzi (LW) – Auston Matthews (C) – Mitch Marner (RW)
This combination keeps everyone in their natural position and challenges to be one of the best lines in NHL.