The Toronto Maple Leafs Projected Lineup Much Improved From Last Season
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ projected lineup for the upcoming season shows significant improvements compared to last year, addressing key areas of need and bolstering their overall depth.
**Forwards:** The Leafs’ top line remains strong with Auston Matthews centering Mitch Marner and new addition Tyler Bertuzzi. Bertuzzi’s physical play and scoring ability complement Matthews and Marner’s dynamic style. The second line features John Tavares with William Nylander and Max Domi, offering a blend of skill and versatility. This setup enhances the team’s offensive balance and adds a defensive edge with Domi’s grit. The third line, anchored by David Kampf, includes Calle Järnkrok and Michael Bunting, providing a solid two-way presence and secondary scoring. The fourth line, with Noah Gregor and the recently acquired Ryan Reaves, adds energy and toughness, ensuring that the Leafs can compete physically while keeping their top lines fresh.
**Defensemen:** The blue line has been strengthened with the addition of veteran defenseman John Klingberg, who pairs with Morgan Rielly on the top pairing. Klingberg’s offensive prowess complements Rielly’s playmaking, boosting the team’s power-play capabilities. The second pairing features new acquisition Dmitry Orlov alongside TJ Brodie, combining solid defensive acumen with offensive support. The third pairing, consisting of Timothy Liljegren and Conor Timmins, offers a mix of youth and experience, adding depth and flexibility.
**Goaltending:** In net, Ilya Samsonov returns as the starter, with Joseph Woll as the backup. Samsonov’s performance will be crucial, and Woll’s development provides a reliable option should injuries or performance issues arise.
Overall, the Leafs’ revamped roster appears poised to make a deeper run in the playoffs, with enhanced scoring depth, improved defensive stability, and a more balanced lineup.
