Maple Leafs' Opening Night Lineup Finally Takes Shape Ahead of Season Opener
Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs took the ice for practice ahead of Wednesday's season opener with a lineup that shows the Craig Berube influence, and doesn't disappoint.
With the NHL season kicking off for some teams on Tuesday, the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to need to wait one more day before their season kicks off against the Montreal Canadiens.
A new lineup, a new identity, and a new life without Mitch Marner all looks like it's going to lead to a successful and potentially franchise-altering season, if everything falls into place that is.
Maple Leafs' Lines Reflect Craig Berube's Vision for a Tougher, Faster Team
But the biggest question facing the Maple Leafs right now is who will actually line up for the team come Wednesday night. Craig Berube has a solid mix of players he could insert into the lineup, however practice may have given us the biggest clue:
Knies - Matthews - Maccelli
McMann - Tavares - Nylander
Joshua - Domi - Robertson
Lorentz - Roy - Jarnkrok
Extra: Blais
McMann - Tavares - Nylander
Joshua - Domi - Robertson
Lorentz - Roy - Jarnkrok
Extra: Blais
Rielly - Carlo
McCabe - Tanev
OEL - Benoit
Myers
McCabe - Tanev
OEL - Benoit
Myers
Stolarz
Primeau
Primeau
The starting lineup looks quite similar to what we would come to expect, minus the injury to Scott Laughton and Joseph Woll taking his leave of absence.
Berube is already trying to motivate his players, giving them a love tap during their stretches:
The additions of Blais and Primeau are brand new as they were both claimed off waivers on Monday and it was clear that the team decided to add some more veteran depth while also making sure they have a reliable backup to Anthony Stolarz.
Looking at the lineup it's certainly more balanced than in years past, with each line capable of contributing offensively and defensively. They each have a strong body to supplement their speedy wingers, and the defense is as strong as ever.
It's all part of the plan, and when Laughton returns the team becomes even deeper and can be a lot more flexible during the year.
Final Roster Decisions Show Which Players Earned Berube's Trust
One notable omission is Easton Cowan, who was not selected as part of the roster, instead being replaced by Jacob Quillan however that was more of a financial move than anything performance based.
Philippe Myers earned the 7th defender spot over Dakota Mermis, Henry Thrun, and Matt Benning which isn't too surprising given how high the team has been on him since he came in.
Blais' inclusion may also have something to do with his history under Berube, as he spent four years in St. Louis when Berube was coaching the team, but his physicality and defense will be a solid addition something the coach noted:
He knows what I expect of him, I know what I'm getting.
The rest of the team is par for the course, although there is a chance we see Quillan in action if a guy like Calle Jarnkrok can't get it going, or it could be Blais' time to shine.
Whoever does end up lining up for the Maple Leafs on Wednesday will be part of a brand new era in the franchise's history and their performance will set the tone for the rest of the season, for better or worse.
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