Leafs Reporter Reveals Two Dark Horse Options to Play on Auston Matthews' Wing
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
With training camp looming, one Maple Leafs beat reporter has made a wild suggestion about who may flank Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies on the top line.
In a few days time, we'll get our first look at this year's Maple Leafs team as they step onto the ice for training camp in preparation for the upcoming slate of pre-season games.
There are a lot of questions that will need answering this fall, such as which goaltender will earn the start for the season opener, whether or not Easton Cowan can secure an NHL roster spot out of training camp, and who will slot in next to Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies on the Leafs' top line.
We have heard a lot of speculation about who may fill that role, with Matias Maccelli revealing that he'd love to have the opportunity to begin there. Max Domi also remains an option, as he has enjoyed some success with Matthews is the past.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman also recently reported that the Leafs are very much interested in potentially signing Jack Roslovic and playing him on the wing with Matthews and Knies. However, there are two other options that have not even been considered -- until now.
According to Sportsnet's Luke Fox, Craig Berube could consider giving 20-goal scorer Bobby McMann or newcomer Dakota Joshua a look with Matthews and Knies as well.
Pass-first Max Domi has enjoyed stretches of success with Matthews. Newcomer Matias Maccelli, too, can thrive in the O-zone. Alternatively, Berube could want a peek at straight-line wingers Bobby McMann (who hit 20 goals) or Joshua (who once hit 18) up top to see if they can disrupt and create space for the stars.
Fox made it clear that the potential for adding a strong forechecker to that line who can get in and disrupt the opposition, preventing quick zone exits, it could really have a solid impact on that top line and create situations of extended zone pressure for the Leafs.
Berube himself has declared that he has not yet selected anyone as a runaway favourite to slot in next to his two star forwards up top, so if McMann or Joshua can come into camp with a little extra jump in their step, anything is possible.
Still, when all is said and done, I expect to see Max Domi or Matias Maccelli in that role, but I am certainly intrigued by the idea of putting someone up there with a bulldog mentality, as Zach Hyman had that, and we all know how well he complemented Auston Matthews.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 12 | 1820 ANSWERS Leafs Reporter Reveals Two Dark Horse Options to Play on Auston Matthews' Wing Do you think the Leafs should try one of Bobby McMann or Dakota Joshua on the top line with Auston Matthews? | ||
| Yes | 1092 | 60 % |
| No | 728 | 40 % |
| List of polls | ||
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