A number of issues occurred throughout in the present day’s Toronto Maple Leafs follow. What are they, and what would possibly they imply for the crew? If I learn between the traces, what does follow inform me concerning the teaching workers’s considering?
Between the Strains One: What the Maple Leafs Line Combos Inform Us
Because the Maple Leafs proceed to form their roster for the upcoming season, follow traces present perception into the teaching workers’s evolving plans. Beneath are the traces noticed at follow in the present day, courtesy of Mark Masters:
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Forwards:
- Knies – Matthews – Marner
- McMann – Domi/Nylander
- Pacioretty – Holmberg – Robertson
- Lorentz – Kämpf – Reaves
- Cowan – Grebenkin
Protection:
- Rielly – Tanev
- Ekman-Larsson – McCabe
- Benoit – Timmins
- Rifai – Liljegren
Injured Skaters (Skating Individually): Tavares, Järnkrok, Hakanpaa, Dewar, Steeves.
Nick Barden of The Hockey Information stories that Tavares and Järnkrok are anticipated to rejoin the crew on the subsequent follow on Wednesday.
Between the Strains Two: Nylander’s Function at Heart Is a Fluid Scenario
One notable improvement is the dynamic between William Nylander and Max Domi, who switched between middle and wing throughout the follow. Whereas Nylander was initially anticipated to tackle a full-time middle function, Head Coach Craig Berube urged it stays a “work in progress.”
Nylander repeated this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of versatility. Listed here are the potential takeaways. First, the switching would possibly counsel a hybrid middle function. Relying on face-off conditions and matchups, Berube would possibly discover a shared middle function for Nylander and Domi.
Second, Nylander would possibly face an unsure long-term future: As he and Domi alternate roles, the teaching workers might revert Nylander to the wing as soon as Tavares is again within the lineup.
Between the Strains Three: Holmberg and Pacioretty Shine on the Third Line
One other vital commentary is Pontus Holmberg centering Max Pacioretty and Nick Robertson on the third line. The lineup adjustments increase three prospects for the Maple Leafs’ roster dynamics.
First, Holmberg’s presence centering the third line over Kämpf suggests he may be rising up the depth chart. Nonetheless, this adjustment could possibly be short-term, with Holmberg presumably appearing as a placeholder till Tavares returns to follow or recreation motion. Whether or not this shift is everlasting or displays short-term availability stays to be seen.
Second, Pacioretty’s continued significance inside the lineup implies that rumors of his contract being near finalization may be correct. The Maple Leafs doubtless must clear some cap house to make his signing official, however Pacioretty’s positioning signifies he may have a major function as soon as the season begins.
Third, Robertson’s spot on the third line raises questions on his long-term match. It’s unclear if he has secured a everlasting function within the prime 9 or is quickly filling in for Järnkrok till the latter returns to full well being. Robertson’s efficiency in upcoming practices and video games might decide his standing on the roster transferring ahead.
In tomorrow’s submit, I’ll discover the remaining questions concerning the fourth line, protection pairings, and the way accidents might have an effect on the Leafs’ roster and wage cap state of affairs.
Subsequent: Maple Leafs Fast Hits: Accidents, Participant Updates, and Extra