Maple Leafs Lineup Takes Shape Ahead Of Season Opener

The Toronto Maple Leafs had their first practice today with what looks like their final group heading into the 2023-24 NHL season. The lineup has some returning faces as well as plenty of new players getting their opportunity to play in Toronto.

Heading into training camp many people thought that these lines would look significantly different. However, due to several standouts in camp some unlikely names have earned a roster spot.

While the core group of players such as Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, Morgan Rielly, and so on is back for another season many new faces are here as well.

The most obvious and talked about are Tyler Bertuzzi, Max Domi, Ryan Reaves, and John Klingberg. Bertuzzi and Domi look to be getting top-six minutes with the core four forwards. Klingberg is slated to play second pair minutes on defense with Jake McCabe while Ryan Reaves will start out on the fourth line.

As for the training camp standouts Fraser Minten and Noah Gregor both earned their way onto the roster through their strong play. Minten will begin the year as the third-line center between fellow rookie Matthew Knies and veteran Calle Jarnkrok. Gregor will be the other wing alongside Ryan Reaves on the fourth line with David Kampf playing center.

While these lines are likely to change it is always intriguing to see what an organization thinks is their most optimal lineup heading into game 1 of 82.