Official 2024-25 Maple Leafs lineup projections, featuring key summer additions

The Maple Leafs did what they set out to do on July 1st; rebuilding the blueline with key additions in Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and upgrading in goal, replacing Ilya Samsonov with Anthony Stolarz. Unfortunately, after the money was spent on the blueline and in goal, it hasn't left much room to address any roster needs at the forward position, which may sting a bit after losing Tyler Bertuzzi to the Chicago Blackhawks.

As far as the lineup is concerned, it's looking a little more balanced than it did last season, having bolstered what was a relatively weak blueline, even without the addition of bulking right-shot defender Jani Hakanpaa, whose 2-year contract has not yet been finalized. Per NHL.com's Dave McCarthy, here's what we should see on opening night, as long as there are no additional trades:

The assumption here is that Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten do not make the Maple Leafs out of training camp. Should one or both make the team out of camp, it's likely that we'll see a trade prior to the start of the season to open up a roster spot.

The most surprising detail in these projections, at least to me, is the Ekman-Larsson -- Liljegren 2nd pair. OEL had played on the third pair for the Florida Panthers on their Stanley Cup run and had his minutes heavily sheltered. Likewise for Liljegren, he was often relegated to 3rd pairing duty for the Leafs last season, though there is some potential still there for him to take a step. Many still believe there is another level to his game.

Aside from that, I'm not too shocked about anything we're seeing in this lineup. Some may view Bobby McMann on the 2nd line LW as a bit of a stretch, but McMann showed last season that he can be a consistent contributor and since John Tavares is not so fleet-of-foot, the speedy McMann on that line can really help with puck recovery and tertiary scoring, behind the captain and the always electric William Nylander, who is expected to really drive play on that line.

Training camp will tell us a lot about what we should expect on opening night, but at this point, I'd be surprised to see much deviation from what McCarthy is proposing here.

Source: Dave A. McCarthy, NHL.com
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