Toronto Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs Projected Starting Lineup for Game 1 vs. Canadiens

The Toronto Maple Leafs first regular-season game is Wednesday night in Montreal. What will the lineup be for that game?

by
Old Prof
October 10, 2022

Changes Have Taken Place Since Yesterday

Some things have changed for the Toronto Maple Leafs since yesterday.

First, the waiver wire was filled but not emptied. In other words, every player the Maple Leafs tried to move down to the Toronto Marlies made the move successfully without being hijacked by another team looking for a steal of a deal.

From the Maple Leafs’ point of view, that was better than expected. I always wonder if a player might hope to be picked up by another team where he could get a chance at NHL play – here, I’m thinking of Joey Anderson.

Second, John Tavares will not be put on the LTIR (long-term injured reserve) and is trending toward being ready to play. That means, he’s likely to be in the lineup.

While I’m glad that Tavares will return, I was looking forward to seeing William Nylander at center with Denis Malgin on his wing. The two showed great chemistry during the preseason. Instead, the projection now is that Nylander will once again be on the right wing with Tavares taking his regular center spot.

Speaking about the projected lineup, what does the lineup look like right now if tonight were game night?

Maple Leafs Projected opening night lineup

Forward Line Combinations

First Line: Michael Bunting – Auston Matthews – Mitch Marner
Second Line: Denis Malgin – John Tavares (assuming he is healthy) – William Nylander
Third Line: Pierre Engvall – Alex Kerfoot – Calle Järnkrok
Second Line: Zach Aston-Reese – David Kämpf – Nicolas Aubé-Kubel

Defensive Pairings

First Pairing: Morgan Reilly – TJ Brodie
Second Pairing: Jake Muzzin – Justin Holl
Third Pairing: Mark Giordano – Rasmus Sandin

Goalies

Starter: Matt Murray
Backup: Ilya Samsonov

Notes About the Lineup

Note One: The first line is exactly as it was last season. It’s one of the best lines in the NHL.

Note Two: Malgin gets the nod over Nick Robertson, who was sent to the Marlies because he was waiver-exempt. Robertson will be the first call-up. The coaching staff was very positive about his game, but he could be moved without losing anyone. Malgin would have been picked up for sure.

Note Three: I’m a bit surprised that Alex Kerfoot will center the two shutdown wingers. I might have thought Kerfoot would be between Aston-Reese and Aube-Kubel. No issue with the choice, just a bit surprised.

Nicolas Aube-Kubel when he was with the Flyers

Note Four: The fourth line is interesting. I can’t wait to see this line play. They should be in the opposition’s face all night long. Will this be the group coach Keefe throws out in the defensive end of the ice when there’s pressure on the Maple Leafs’ goalie? I’m thinking that will be the case. If so, the fourth line will be on the ice more if the game is close.

Note Five: The shutdown second pairing of Muzzin and Holl is back together again. They need a good season together. I hope it starts well on Wednesday night.