- I believe this is the best lineup for the roster we have as of right now if there isn't any trades.
- Ritchie opens up the ice for M&M, he's Hyman like and better than Jumbo who started on that line last year. If he doesn't work out they have options to try like Robertson, Kase or Bunting.
- I feel the Leafs don't want to use Kerfoot as a centre and definitely not a shut down centre which they have been using him as, which I don't think he is anyway, I see him as a middle 6 LW. Kampf is a way better shutdown third line centreman and Kerfoot has played well in the games he has played with Tavares and Nylander.
- If Kase can't stay healthy, I'd move Mikheyev to the right side and bring Engvall in to play the left side. (That would be a tall, big third line checking line). But if he does stay healthy, that third line of Mikheyev (brings speed, good defensively, hopefully gets back on the score sheet more.. he's still only played under 100 NHL games), Kampf (who is a centre specialist and has proven to be a good shutdown centre) and Kase (he brings the scoring threat if he can stay healthy).
- Can play Gabriel to rest Simmonds and Engvall, Amadio or Brooks to rest Spezza on back to backs or busy parts of the schedule.
- I like the fourth vet line with Bunting because they bring a scoring threat, but I'd also be okay with them starting in the defensive zone. Bunting has been described as Marchand type, Spezza is Spezza and we all know what he's capable of at his age.. I do like him more at centre than I do on the wing. And for Simmonds, I hope he can start the year off like he did last year before being injured.
- As for the defense, top 4 were solid last year.. I would keep it the same and give that third pair to Sandin and Liljegren in a sheltered roll to ease them into the NHL. Trade for a dman by the deadline or use Dermott if there are any struggles with Liljegren or Holl.
- As for a starting goalie, the net in my opinion is Campbell's to lose and he starts opening night. But if he starts to struggle go for Mrazek and roll with who's hot.
- I think you start Robertson with the Marlies (16p in only 21gp), just for more development and re-look into calling him up after 30 games or so (he will only be 20yrs old by next season start)
I like this lineup and the depth the management has signed so far this year. If you're playing a tougher bigger team you can scratch a guy like Kerfoot, Bunting or Kase (injury prone), play with the lines a bit and have Gabriel and Simmonds creating havoc on the 4th line.
There's a lot of options the Leafs management can play with to find what works. I'm okay with them even working on a trade by the deadline to get rid of Reilly and use Sandin there (depending on how he plays) and bring back either picks and a stay at home big dman for playoffs or a better top line LW option. (Or you could use someone like Dahlstrom as a big third pair dman.) I would also be okay with trading Kerfoot, Engvall or Dermott to recoup draft picks or prospects and clear up cap space for a deadline move.
I think Bunting starts in the top 6. he is the Hyman "replacement". Ritchie will be far too slow to effectively drive the line. I think he would be good on a line with Kampf and Kase.
Ya, you could be right.. I had him there before the Leafs got Ritchie and still wasn't sure. I think they'll both probably get a shot to audition for the spot, even if Kase stays healthy he could maybe see time there depending on if there isn't any success with the others or injuries happen
I don't believe there is a taxi squad this year so they'll have to have 3 scratches that count against the cap. With that said, it seems highly unlikely Kerfoot sticks around.
I don't believe there is a taxi squad this year so they'll have to have 3 scratches that count against the cap. With that said, it seems highly unlikely Kerfoot sticks around.
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