There’s been a lot of speculation about what the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ lines might look like this fall. With so many new faces and lingering questions, both general manager (GM) Brad Treliving and head coach Craig Berube have decisions to make.
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Just for fun, we decided to take a different approach: What if the forward lines and defensive pairings were determined by salary? Here’s what we came up with.
Forward Lines by Salary
Line 1
Matthew Knies – $7,750,000
Auston Matthews – $13,250,000
William Nylander – $11,500,000
Line 2
Matias Maccelli – $3,425,000
John Tavares – $4,388,420
Max Domi – $3,750,000
Line 3
David Kämpf – $2,400,000
Nicolas Roy – $3,000,000
Dakota Joshua – $3,250,000
Line 4
Bobby McMann – $1,350,000
Scott Laughton – $1,500,000
Calle Järnkrok – $2,100,000
Extras
Steven Lorentz – $1,350,000
Michael Pezzetta – $812,500
Note: According to puckpedia.com, 11 of the 14 forwards on the current roster are left-handed, with only three shooting right. Ideally, each forward unit would have one winger on their natural side, but many NHL players are capable of playing the “off-wing.” For this exercise, we’ve made our best guess at positioning, though some winger pairings could easily be swapped.
Forward Line Observations
Line 1: Top-End Talent
This line boasts the Maple Leafs’ top centre and their two best wingers. With Mitch Marner gone, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Matthews and Nylander paired again, just like when Mike Babcock first brought them together. Knies brings grit and a net-front presence, making this line a potential powerhouse.
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The downside? This setup loads up the offence on one line, leaving the team’s two top scorers on the same unit.
Line 2: A Question Mark
This line raises concerns. Both wingers are smaller and more playmakers than finishers. While Tavares, even at 35, remains close to a point-per-game player and adds value in front of the net, this line might lack a finishing touch. Domi…
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