Projected Maple Leafs Lineup for Final Home Preseason Game vs Red Wings

Thursday night brings us the penultimate preseason game for the Toronto Maple Leafs as they take on their Original Six rivals, the Detroit Red Wings at Scotiabank Arena as the regular season quickly approaches.

It will likely be the full NHL lineup according to Craig Berube, and we should see how this brand new lineup gels together and it's our first chance to really see how the newcomers can mesh, and if there's perhaps some underlying chemistry waiting to be unlocked.

But who is in that lineup is a big question, as several players are still fighting for those last few spots including Nick Robertson and Calle Jarnkrok, so let's take a look at who Craig Berube decided to ice for Thursday night's contest:

Knies - Matthews - Domi
McMann - Tavares - Nylander
Maccelli - Roy - Joshua
Lorentz - Laughton - Cowan

McCabe - Tanev
Rielly - Carlo
Ekman-Larsson - Benoit

Anthony Stolarz gets the start in net for Toronto with the backup for the Leafs final preseason game unknown between Dennis Hildeby and James Reimer, although it was Hildeby practicing in relief during the Muskoka trip.

Obviously, the first thing to notice is going to be how Max Domi and Auston Matthews work together, as there's a lot of expectations that both men are going to bounce back and being together can facilitate that quicker.

Matthews already looked great so far, so giving him his full line ahead of the season will only build that confidence.

It's standard fare for your second line, as Bobby McMann joins John Tavares and William Nylander as Craig Berube wants to see a lot more out of the late-bloomer, and if he can take the coach's advice; could be even better this year.

The newcomer trio of Dakota Joshua, Nic Roy, and Matias Maccelli all line up together as fans get a chance to see how they might work together. You've certainly got a unique trio that can do some serious damage if they get hot.

Easton Cowan lines up again on the fourth line as it's becoming increasingly clear that he's going to earn his way onto the team come the regular season, and it gives the team not only a new dynamic down low, but brings another level of excitement to the 2025-26 campaign.

Anthony Stolarz will look to bounce back from a shaky first start against Montreal, though he clearly had some rust to shake off and will no doubt be better against the Red Wings; at least we hope. If not, Dennis Hildeby will get the call.

Toronto will get the chance to showcase their everyday lineup against Detroit at home on Thursday, with the game scheduled for 7pm ET.

Fans wishing to watch the broadcast can tune into Sportsnet One for all your on-ice action.