Even though it is still May it is always fun to try to picture what different team’s lineups will look like. At this time there are certain Leaf prospects/players who are catching the eyes of fans more than others. In addition, after seeing Dave Poulin’s projected Leaf lines (Holland on the wing?, Marner the 13th forward? Hunwick a top line defensemen still?), I could not resist writing my own. This is the forwards projection for the upcoming Leafs season.

The Leafs could potentially ice a potent and balanced lineup. There will be growing pains next year but the Leafs could surprise many people by making playoffs and doing a little bit of damage.

FIRST LINE: JAMES VAN REIMSDYK- NAZEM KADRI- LEO KOMOROV

There is little to no reason to break this line up. Three positive possession players combined together to make a solid top six line. Before getting injured James Van Reimsdyk got 29 points in 30 games and he looked like the Leafs best forward at times. He is a valuable asset and expect his numbers to increase with new skillful players to add to the powerplay.

Leo Komorov had somewhat of an overrated offensive year. In the end, he finished with 36 points in 67 games while having a high 14.6 shooting percentage (expect his goal scoring production to drop a bit next year) which was good enough for an All Star appearance. Komorov is a great possession player and his physicality is a nice addition to this top line.

I am kind of tired of hearing Kadri critics. Another phenomenal possession year (against top line competition) while posting decent numbers (17G, 45P, 6.5 SH%). His numbers should increase next year once his puck luck gets better and with minimized attention due to balanced lines.

SECOND LINE: NIKITA SOSHNIKOV- AUSTON MATTHEWS- MITCHELL MARNER

Many will wonder why Matthews and Nylander are being split up, but moving Nylander to the wing would just make it easier for the other teams’ to matchup against the Leafs. In addition, the Leafs have some pretty good wingers in the system and can easily add decent wingers on the free agent market (we got Parenteau, Boyes etc on small deals) therefore, there is no need to put Nylander to the wing. Soshnikov showed tremendous flash in a small sample last year and should fit well with two other skilled forwards.

In response to TSN’s projected lines: why would the Leafs bring up Marner if he is the 13th forward? He is too young for the AHL, so it is either the OHL or the NHL for the dynamic winger. This is not a debate. Marner should be in the Leafs top six next year. He is currently making the OHL look like a beer league. After posting 116 points in 57 regular season games, he has TEARED UP the playoffs with 41 points in 16 games. He might need an adjustment period to get use to playing professional but he is NHL-ready.

Auston Matthews should be drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs, he is a dominant three-zone player who will really drive the Leaf’s possession play. On paper, putting two skillful scorers like Soshnikov and Marner on a line with a driving center like Matthews is perfect.

THIRD LINE: BRENDEN LEIPSIC- WILLIAM NYLANDER- COLIN GREENING

Here is where the fun starts. Bottom six wing positions are open right now and a lot of hockey is still to be played. Leipsic right now seems to be the Leaf’s best bet if they want a player that has a scoring touch and some sandpaper to play with Nylander. After putting up some big junior numbers, Leipsic has good point production with the Marlies and stands out on a very good AHL team. The “poor man’s” Brenden Gallagher could be a fan favorite especially if the Leaf’s get into the playoffs.

Did someone mention “stand out”? Because then we should be talking about William Nylander. He has been a beast in the AHL this year (45 points in 38 games) and catches the eye of AHL fans every time he hits the ice. Creativity, vision, skating ability and a good shot is what Leaf fans can expect. Nylander will not play any less or more because he is on the “third line”. Just ask the Pittsburgh Penguins whether that is true or not (Kessel, Malkin, Crosby all on separate lines). If games get close, Nylander can always bounce up to the second line with Marner and Matthews but this current structure will keep all three opposition defensive lines on their toes.

Finishing it off with Colin Greening gives this line some size and a guy to help Leipsic along the boards. In addition, Greening lead the Leafs last season with 1.86 Points/60 mins (Second was Nylander).

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3kKhj67CmI

FOURTH LINE: MILAN MICHALEK- PETER HOLLAND- CONNOR BROWN

A pretty decent fourth line (better than most) will conclude the Leaf’s offense. Ultimately, the Leafs will probably get a cheap free agent to fill up these wing spots, but for now, Milan Michalek will be okay for this slot.

Peter Holland beats out Brooks Laich at this position for two reasons. One, he is better defensively, and two, I am hoping they can trade Laich for a good trade package. For Connor Brown, it all depends on his training camp in September because the Leafs have a group of forwards wanting this position. Zach Hyman, Josh Leivo, Mark Arcobello, and Kasperi Kapenen are all players who will look to crack the Leaf lineup throughout the season and will give Babcock and company many options in the 2016-2017 season.

Of course, these lines are based on my hope that we are able to trade away Tyler Bozak (4.2M/year), Joffrey Lupul (5.25M/year) and without a potential signing of Steven Stamkos. In addition, I am assuming that Pierre Alexandre Parenteau, Michael Grabner and Brad Boyes do not resign. Each of them could, which would impact these projected lines.

What are your projected lines? Do you agree or disagree with these? Comment below!

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