Maple Leafs' Projected Forward Lineup For Opening Night Leads to Some Interesting Combinations

A top-six forward is still atop the wish list for the Maple Leafs, but GM Brad Treliving has done his best to stick to his replacement plan for Mitch Marner by spreading the wealth throughout the forward group.

Out is Marner, but in come Dakota Joshua, Michael Pezzetta, Nicolas Roy and Matias Maccelli, providing the Maple Leafs and head coach Craig Berube with forward depth that the club has not seen in years.

Many analysts have made Marner's departure much larger than those in Leafs Nation believe it is, but NHL Network analysts, and former players Mike Rupp and Brian Boyle believe that his departure will help the Leafs go farther in the post-season.

In discussing Marner's departure and how it will affect the dynamic, Rupp discussed the Leafs' potential opening night forward group and line combinations.

To begin, it was Maccelli that was placed on the top line with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies, with Maccelli being a smaller playmaker, similar to Marner.

Many had Max Domi penciled into that slot, but Rupp had him on the third line with Roy and Bobby McMann while Joshua found himself with John Tavares and William Nylander.

Although some may not agree with the projected forward lines, they are simply just that -- a projection. Lots can change between now and opening night.

Rupp also noted that he believes the departure of Marner will force the Leafs to depend on their depth players more frequently during the season which will serve them well come playoff time when depth is required.