Team: 2022-23 Toronto Maple Leafs

Initial Creation Date: Mar. 6, 2023

Published: Mar. 6, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

imo the ideal is 3 scoring lines and no d-pair that has to be sheltered

Forwards

lines 1-2: swap Willy and MM if needed

line 3: 3lw can be the best of McMann, Holmberg or Knies. Knies won't get much time to play before the playoffs and jumping from the NCAA to playing TB in the playoffs is a big jump. McMann has scored a lot in the A and is a fast good forechecker. I like the idea of 2 speedy wingers with ROR. Holmberg has some finish as well, so he might be a better fit and has a longer track of being a good NHLer.

line 4: grind an kill time. Lafferty could score on a rush or Accari a greasy net front goal but they shouldn't be counted on to score. Can help play top competition

Defense

Pair 1: Lily is solid Defensively and can move the puck. Reilly plays best with a D 1st guy who can move the puck. Brodie is the best option but he's their best shutdown guy. I'd like them to be sheltered as they have the most offensive upside but they can handle decent matchups if needed

Pair 2: shutdown, Brodie is solid, Mccabe is a nice fit

Pair 3: has played well in a shutdown role this year. They can take secondary shut down matchups to free the 1st pair to play offensively. Schenn can swap in for holl if they need a guy who is better in a net front role and can handle a heavy forecheck.