TSN projects Gavin McKenna and Matthew Knies alongside Auston Matthews, creating an unusual all-left-shot top line that Jim Hiller could test during camp.
The network posted on Thursday their projected lineup for the Toronto Maple Leafs when it comes to the 2026-27 season, and they have a bit of a different look compared to some others we've seen:
Gavin McKenna - Auston Matthews - Matthew Knies
Easton Cowan - John Tavares - William Nylander
Nick Paul - Colton Sissons - Jack Roslovic
Dakota Joshua - Teddy Blueger - Brandon Duhaime
The unusual part is not simply that all three shoot left. It is that Knies would likely have to work from the right side while McKenna stays on his natural left wing, creating a different look altogether.
Three left-handed shots could create an atypical but successful strategy for Jim Hiller
With McKenna on his natural side, he's going to be most comfortable - an asset for helping his growth and development, and he's still got the ability to connect with Matthews quickly, who can also switch from backhand to forehand in an instant, so gathering the puck on his stick won't be an issue.
Knies moving to the right would be the real adjustment. His size and puck-protection ability could still make him effective along the walls, while his net-front role would remain largely unchanged once Toronto establishes possession in the offensive zone.
Knies is a physical player who can lead with his right and more dominant side, lay in a hit then immediately box out his opponent, which in turn will put him on his strong hand and able to generate offence from the boards too.
Then, he can switch off to the front of the net while McKenna finds the puck and perhaps gets a pass off to the point - where Knies is going to create havoc for goalies.
Toronto's first line breakout could be their secret weapon
There's also the ability to have Knies fire off quicker one-timers on a 2-on-1 as he'll have a clearer shot at the net with added momentum from being able to wind up. With defenders scrambling to keep up with McKenna's creativity and unable to get past Knies' brick wall of a body, that leaves Matthews open as others try and play catch up.
Those breakout chances and odd-man rushes are going to be crucial in Toronto setting the pace. With better possession players, puck movement and smarter defenders, the team will likely get more chances on stretch passes - and that can play nicely into the first line.
If it's McKenna and Matthews on the breakout, that's two dangerous players who have a variety of options at their disposal where McKenna can pass to Matthews and get his quick release shot off, or even take it himself and use his underrated scoring ability to do damage. If it's Knies, then the team needs to utilize his consistently hard shot to either score or create second chances for McKenna and the trailing Matthews.
The line would ultimately succeed or fail because of how the three roles fit, not because all three shoot left. McKenna brings playmaking, Knies brings retrieval and net-front work, and Matthews remains the primary finisher. If Hiller's experiment works, that balance is what would make it interesting.
Should Jim Hiller put both Gavin McKenna and Matthew Knies on the same line as Auston Matthews?
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