Team: 2023-24 Toronto Maple Leafs

Initial Creation Date: Nov. 3, 2023

Published: Nov. 3, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Leafs overall defensive play has been poor thus far, and now the injuries are coming. It's not great. But another big disappointment has been the group upfront. Now Keefe might try to triple down on the top line after how they looked in Boston -lol they didn't even look that good, but I guess he likes the result. And I guess they do always start slowly and then begin to take off. But the first sign of repeated issues and it's time to break this up. I think his last play comes in better utilizing the group the GM spent $10+ on in the summer.

Obviously those players have been a disappointment. They have not provided the depth scoring you had hoped for. So I think the play is trying to actually run 3 lines and create matchup issues. 3C will be an issue I think regardless of what they do. But I think this might be the best look you can get. If the issue is ice time (which I would argue some guys need less of, and some need more) then it's up to the coach to find the spots to load up when it calls for it throughout the game. He will have the line advantage. Also I guess the con here is that if AM-16 are not on the same line, there is not one trusted line to play well defensively. But I think on balance you might come out ahead.

Notes: run the left side as you see fit. I went with Domi to get a bit more speed and the ability to attack on the rush. But you can mix that up. The d is what it is. Untill McCabe is back it's tough to see what they can do. I went with what I expect the call ups to be. Taxi squad would be the next one's up. Lastly I think it's time to change up that 4th line. I would sit Reaves. Honestly if he's not going to take a run at Marchand I don't know what he's really doing for you. Mix and match with that group as well.