Move Knies up to LW1 instead of Robo

Bertuzzi will play with Marner and Matthews and I bet Nylander gets Domi and Jarnkrok or Knies and Domi. They won't be a strong defensive unit but likely outscores their deficiencies by a wide margin.

I was thinking if Willy plays 3C they will want someone to play with him. Knies and Willy had good chemistry for the short time they played together. I also put Lafferty on that line for his speed and defensive responsibilities.

I think the leafs are playing Willie at center in preseason because they plan on starting the season with a 20 man roster. 11 forwards and 7 d-men. Lafferty and Reaves would be on the 4th line with 4 guys filling in at center. Domi could even take a shift at center if necessary.

I think it’s to up his trade value come the offseason

I am personally not a fan of Matthews and Marner playing together. They waste too many quality chances looking for the highlight reel goal.

No they wait for the high quality chances. This is why Matthews scores so much. He only shoots from good areas and he shoots a tonne.

Well… whatever they are doing isn’t working in playoffs. Maybe Bertuzzi in front of the net and in the corners could change that. 👍

Hopefully, but Matthews also needs to just pull a sundin and drive the net more. Take guys on his back and force his will. He's capable of it, but doesn't do it all the time. He also gets so unlucky in the playoffs. Guy hit the post 5 times vs Florida. You couldn't do that if you tried.

100% agree with Matthews driving the net. The problem with the Leafs is they are a perimeter team with not many players willing to get to those tough areas. Hopefully Bert, Domi and Reavo will give the big guys more confidence to drive the net more often. Nervous about the D but excited for this year to start. 👍

That is factually incorrect. The Leafs create more offence from the crease than almost anyone. That's a fact. They had loads of in close chances vs florida but didn't score. Bad luck was a problem. But the coach never alters his game plan either which is a problem.

I don’t know Nasty. I’m kinda sick of saying bad luck. Price was bad luck, running into Tampa first round continually was bad luck, now Bobrovsky? I’d love to see the facts but Torontos issue has been winning battles in the gritty areas. (Dubas era)

It happens though eh? I am not excusing any of the losses but I also don't think blowing anything up is the answer. Toughness bla bla bla or whatever is all just stuff people say and the media blows it all up.

IMO toughness comes in different forms. You can add toughness by hiring a Ryan Reaves. The toughness the Leafs need is guys that are willing to go in the corner, take punishment in front of the net and stick up for your teammates when need be. That’s why I am very happy with the Domi & Bertuzzi signing. We just need one or two of those guys on the backend.

Yeah the Blueline needs some brute force. But that's a deadline addition.