Editor In Leaf
Fansided

Exploring Where Patrik Laine Could Fit into the Toronto Maple Leafs Lineup

Patrik Laine's highly publicised trade request opens up a unique opportunity for the Toronto Maple Leafs to add an elite-level player at a discount price. However, the big question remains: Where does Laine fit into the Maple Leafs lineup? Exploring the answer to that question reveals some tantalising possibilities.

By Nestor Quixtan

Patrik Laine would easily slot into the Toronto Maple Leafs top six. But the question remains where precisely Laine could land.
Patrik Laine would easily slot into the Toronto Maple Leafs top six. But the question remains where precisely Laine could land. / Kirk Irwin/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next

The Second Line

If I were Berube, my first thought would be to slot Laine into the second line with John Tavares and William Nylander.

It’s a frightening thought to imagine dealing with Nylander and Laine on the same line. The two speedy wingers could skate circles around opposing defencemen. Opposing clubs would need two fast blueliners to contain Nylander or Laine.

Otherwise, opposing defencemen would need to camp out in front of the net and hope every shot hits them. Plus, opposing teams would not have enough top defensive players to deploy against the Leafs top two lines. In short, other teams would need to pick their poison. They would either accept getting beat by the Matthews or Tavares lines.

Now, there is a downside to this approach. Tavares may not be fast enough to keep up with Nylander and Laine. He may struggle to stay in the play, potentially wasting opportunities to set up either player. Then again, Tavares may get cut out completely on plays as Nylander and Laine control the puck and drive the forecheck.

There’s also the concern of little defence with this line. Neither Laine nor Nylander are known as defensive forwards. As such, the burden of defensive responsibilities will fall on Tavares. If that’s the case, it remains to be seen how well Tavares can handle the dual role of being a third defenceman/forward.

Despite the potential downside, there’s one powerful benefit that I believe having Laine on the second could do. Having Laine with Tavares allows Berube to load up the top line. As such, a Laine-Nylander-Tavares line could keep opposing coaches up at night. This setup would be possible thanks to the offence Laine provides on the second line.

Home/Maple Leafs News