I wouldn't be against it. Try it out for a couple weeks and see what happens. First pairing is solid. Third pairing is solid. Only question mark is the Hainsey/Zaitsev pairing and I'm a believer in Zaitsev. I think playing him with Hainsey could open up his offensive game (like Rielly) and make him more than worth his paycheck.

Personally, I think that the line up changes drastically based on who gets that last spot, Holl, Carrick, or Ozhiganov. Trying to set up lines before training camp will be pointless unfortunately. That being said, I'd love to see the first pair be Rielly - Gardiner again. Dermott could also move to the right should this not happen, and it could lead to interesting combos.

Rielly - Zaitzev
Gardiner - Dermott
Hainsey - Carrick/Ozhiganov/Holl


but lets be real, It will be the same lines as last year.
Gardiner - Zaitzev
Rielly - Hainsey
Dermott/Borgman - Carrick/Holl/Ozhiganov

I don't think any one has an answer now. It's who plays the last RHD spot....Carrick, Ozhiganov or Holl. Maybe even Dermot goes to right side if those other three fail or Borgman plays so well he has to on the team LHD

But I think Random2152 has it right, with "same as last year" It would be such a bonus if Ozhiganov can be NHL good. He's certainly looks stout enough to fill a Leaf need.

I would like to see

Gardiner/Reilly
Dermott/Zaitsev
Hainsey/Ozhiganov
Rosen-Borgman/Holl-Carrick


It’s a long season and I know how much Hainsey is needed on the Pk but I would like to see him sit a few games this season. Maybe some back to backs. And there are of course going to be injuries to deal with. 19/20 we are looking at
Reilly/Zaitsev
Dermott/??????
???????/????????

Questions we are going to answer this season. I would much rather see them answered from our prospects than free agency.

I'd say we would have to keep Hainsey on the right side alongside Gardiner or Dermott. Zaitsez needs to work on his game and I think Rielly can help him grow. Holl, Carrick, and Ozhiganov would have to fight for the top 6 role with Gardiner or Dermott, but those three guys should be getting at least 20+ games to see what they can do. Carrick has a slight advantage playing most of last year, but you never know.

But I thought that we had Colton Parayko on the team too. At least that’s what half of the postings for the Maple Leafs in the past week have told me.

Seriously, five stars for a team post that doesn’t ask what we all think of a Connor McDavid-for-Erik Karlsson, Bobby Ryan and Marc Stone trade. Intelligent discussions lead to insight and the advancement of knowledge. Good job.

I think it was most unkind of you to give this post three stars. Frankly, I don't understand at all since your comment seems positive.