Kadri may get wish, centre top line on revamped Maple Leafs
Earlier last month, new Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock said he was going to start thinking about potential line combinations.
“You do it all summer on a napkin,” he said awhile in town for a kids hockey camp. “You watch the first exhibition game. You don’t like what you had on the napkin all summer, and you change it.”
With about seven weeks to go until the opening of training camp, and barring any further trades or complications, here’s how your Maple Leafs are shaping up:
FORWARD
Top line: LW James van Riemsdyk, C Nazem Kadri, RW Joffrey Lupul
Prognosis: Kadri gets the top-line exposure he craves. Kadri’s offence has
gone south the past two years, even as his overall game has improved. If he and James van Riemsdyk click, the pairing could combine for 60 goals.
Second line: LW Daniel Winnik, C Tyler Bozak, RW P.A. Parenteau
Prognosis: This could just as easily be called the third line because, on most teams, it would be.
Third line: LW Richard Panik, C Peter Holland, RW Taylor Beck
Prognosis: Having a bit of fun here reuniting the Guelph Storm circa 2010-11. There’s a lot of offensive upside to these three 24-year-olds as a line, so much so if they click they could become the second line.
Fourth line: LW Shawn Matthias, C Mark Arcobello, RW Leo Komarov
Prognosis: The strength of this line is they are all veterans, each with the ability to play higher in the lineup.
Long-term injury: Nathan Horton. Doubt we’ll ever see him play again. Extra: Nick Spaling, Matt Frattin. PROSPECTS
Nikita Soshnikov: Third-highest scorer under 23 last season in KHL.
Casey Bailey: College free agent finished season with the Leafs.
Zach Hyman: Expects to play in NHL
this year.
Josh Leivo: Injury problems cost him a legit shot last year.
Sam Carrick: Could easily win job as fourth-line centre in camp.
William Nylander: Ideally plays a full season as the Marlies’ top centre.
Kasperi Kapanen: Ideally plays a full season with Marlies.
Connor Brown: If a top scorer gets hurt, he might get a cup of coffee in NHL this season.
DEFENCE
Top pair: Morgan Rielly-Dion Phaneuf.
Prognosis: Rielly is ready for prime time and Phaneuf gets a clean slate under Babcock, who’s a fan. It means having two left shots paired up together, so it may not last.
Second Pair: Jake Gardiner-Roman Polak.
Gardiner has to “get it” eventually, right? His problem is he probably thinks too much, worries too much. Perhaps a season of low team expectations can help his confidence. Polak’s energy is much loved.
Third Pair: Martin Marincin-Matt
Hunwick
Prognosis: Hard to believe you can improve your defence by acquiring one from the Edmonton Oilers, but the Leafs may have done that with Marincin.
Extras: Stéphane Robidas. He was signed for his leadership and charisma, which he has by the bucketful. But the veteran defender is 38 and slowing down.
GOALTENDING
Jonathan Bernier: Just a small matter of signing a contract. His arbitration hearing results are expected on Sunday.
James Reimer: Leafs in no rush to change up the goaltending tandem.
Antoine Bibeau: The 21-year-old had a decent first full season with the Marlies.