Line Combos: What do you think makes a good line?

[Wafflewhipper]

Do we have the right mix of players for your choice of ideal mix at present? Don't be ashamed of what you think might be unpopular in drafting your line-up in this thread please.

If you feel Matthews should be straight up starting as our #1 center right out of camp please feel free to express it. If you feel Kadri has greatest value to the team as a 3rd line center please just bounce your idea out there.

I am sincerely interested in getting some outside the box feedback on this roster because quite honestly i keep coming up with question marks and concerns every line-up i scribble one together.

Please just give your thoughts. Thanks.

I will start with some oddball combinations myself:

3Rd line. Matthews centering Willy and Mitch.

4Thline. Laich centering Martin and Leo

1St line Bozak centering Jvr and Hyman.

2Nd line. Kadri centering Rychel and Brown.

Doesn't look like i have much value in the players we recieved from Ottawa because i don't! I also have missed some significant players in Sosnikov and Lievo.

I think my line-up drives the point of needing a trade or two or three to get to a desired line-up.

My favourite lines in my mix are the 2nd and 3rd lines. The first and fourth lines i don't particularly like and view 3 players from them as must trades.

They are Laich, Jvr and Bozak. If we could move Laich i would move Leo to center and insert Rychel to the 4th and add Soshnikov to the second line.

As you can see Greening, Lupul, Michalek and Lievo( who has a 1way deal) aren't even making it in.

This group we have in my view is needing to see management seriously get innovative in finding ways to move players. Jvr can get us a solid defenseman for sure.

Maybe thete will be no trade options and Marner will be back in London. This mix is a nightmare imo.

Click to read more...

 

[Warden of the North]

I dont see what Rychel has done to earn a spot on the 2nd line? Maybe swap him with Leo. Probably Brown with Willy as well.

 

[Wafflewhipper]

I dont see what Rychel has done to earn a spot on the 2nd line? Maybe swap him with Leo. Probably Brown with Willy as well.

Thats fair enough. That was my attempt to add a physical presence on the line. He has scoring ability is the thing you hear debated He wanted out of Columbus because he wasn't getting the chance. I'm giving him the chance to prove himself. He decides this himself by his play with solid players is my thought there.

I have many possibly percieved flaws in my lines.

Laich,Greening,Michalek and Lupul are seriously restraining the team from icing a desired line-up right now.

What if Cowen wins god forbid.

Rychel/Sosh/Hyman/Marner could all be forced back to the Ahl and Ohl by these players. Not a good situation!

 

[Warden of the North]

Thats fair enough. That was my attempt to add a physical presence on the line. He has scoring ability is the thing you hear debated He wanted out of Columbus because he wasn't getting the chance. I'm giving him the chance to prove himself. He decides this himself by his play with solid players is my thought there.

I have many possibly percieved flaws in my lines.

I just see it as insulting to take an All Star, heart and soul player and stick him on the fourth line for a problem child rookie whos proven squat and will be fighting for any role on the team, let alone a top 6 one.

 

[TheProspector]

If you put Matthews, Marner and Nylander together, they are unambiguously your first line. And probably one of the best lines in the league.

 

[Wafflewhipper]

I just see it as insulting to take an All Star, heart and soul player and stick him on the fourth line for a problem child rookie whos proven squat and will be fighting for any role on the team, let alone a top 6 one.

Ok then. You don't like Rychel. I get it. Post a line-up.

 

[Wafflewhipper]

If you put Matthews, Marner and Nylander together, they are unambiguously your first line. And probably one of the best lines in the league.

Exactly. Still my 3rd line though wink wink nudge nudge. A nightmare for other coaches every game to try matching. Post a lineup please bro.

I firmy believe they should all play and play together. We have players with cap hit though that it looks like they will be holding us back.

 

[Trapper]

If you put Matthews, Marner and Nylander together, they are unambiguously your first line. And probably one of the best lines in the league.

I don't know. I'd have to see them play together first before making that statement. 3 potential stars don't always make the best line. That's why Pittsburgh is always trying to find the right fit for Crosby.

 

[Menzinger]

Yeah, the Pens recent experience (or even the Hawks who split up Kane and Toews) shows that sometimes spreading out you stars across different lines is a good thing.

If you have two players who thrive with having the puck all the time, they won't have great chemistry.

 

[Warden of the North]

Ok then. You don't like Rychel. I get it. Post a line-up.

JvR-Bozak-Brown
Komarov-Kadri-Nylander
Lupul/Soshnikov-Matthews-Hyman
Martin-Laich-Greening

Lupul is dependent on what happens with him, of course

Marner depends on his camp.

And its not that I dont like Rychel, its that hes done literally nothing to have a place on this team. I fully expect him to be on the Marlies at season's start

 

[Nithoniniel]

If it was my team, I'd build it on a foundation of transition ability and puck management, with it being a requirement across three lines and three pairings. The fourth line would be a utility line, for shutdown minutes, PK specialists and all. These guys should be able to play a regular shift and preferably have some cycling and forechecking ability, but offensive production is nothing but a bonus.

I want all scoring lines to consist of at least two guys for any one particular job. So that's two guys who are good two-way players, two guys who can transition, two guys who can retrieve the puck and work the boards, two guys who can create offense, and two guys who can finish.

I'd build them around one strong any situation line, one match up and more gritty line, one more sheltered with terrific offensive talent. In that order:

JVR - Matthews - Marner
Komarov - Kadri - 2RW
3LW - Nylander - 3RW
Martin - 4C - 4RW

Note that this is not exactly what I would go into season with, more of a plan in my head.

I'd probably roll with, using the same designations and order, the following lines going into next season:

JVR - Bozak - Michalek
Greening - Kadri - Soshnikov
Komarov - Matthews - Nylander
Martin - Laich - Lupul

Hopefully Lupul can be moved and Hyman can take his place, and likewise but much less needed a switch with Brown in for Michalek.

 

[Wafflewhipper]

Yeah, the Pens recent experience (or even the Hawks who split up Kane and Toews) shows that sometimes spreading out you stars across different lines is a good thing.

If you have two players who thrive with having the puck all the time, they won't have great chemistry.

Why compare though, we aren't them and we have a line-up to make from our group. There is no magic formula really. We have a identity to form in our own group of players. Lets just iron this one out.

This is about our group. We don't know anything about how they will work out until we experiment with it.

 

[Wafflewhipper]

If it was my team, I'd build it on a foundation of transition ability and puck management, with it being a requirement across three lines and three pairings. The fourth line would be a utility line, for shutdown minutes, PK specialists and all. These guys should be able to play a regular shift and preferably have some cycling and forechecking ability, but offensive production is nothing but a bonus.

I want all scoring lines to consist of at least two guys for any one particular job. So that's two guys who are good two-way players, two guys who can transition, two guys who can retrieve the puck and work the boards, two guys who can create offense, and two guys who can finish.

I'd build them around one strong any situation line, one match up and more gritty line, one more sheltered with terrific offensive talent. In that order:

JVR - Matthews - Marner
Komarov - Kadri - 2RW
3LW - Nylander - 3RW
Martin - 4C - 4RW

Note that this is not exactly what I would go into season with, more of a plan in my head.

I'd probably roll with, using the same designations and order, the following lines going into next season:

JVR - Bozak - Michalek
Greening - Kadri - Soshnikov
Komarov - Matthews - Nylander
Martin - Laich - Lupul

Hopefully Lupul can be moved and Hyman can take his place, and likewise but much less needed a switch with Brown in for Michalek.

Its not easy to muddle through is it? I know Waiving Holland after what they went through is likely not a favourable end they would like to come to.

Brown deserves a spot and Lievo is on a 1 way deal. Thats some significant omissions caused by Laich, Greening and Michalek.

Lupul is not much more of a cap drag than Laich and Michalek too.

 

[Wafflewhipper]

JvR-Bozak-Brown
Komarov-Kadri-Nylander
Lupul/Soshnikov-Matthews-Hyman
Martin-Laich-Greening

Lupul is dependent on what happens with him, of course

Marner depends on his camp.

And its not that I dont like Rychel, its that hes done literally nothing to have a place on this team. I fully expect him to be on the Marlies at season's start

Does your rebuild timeline basically give this year another wash?

 

[Nithoniniel]

Its not easy to muddle through is it? I know Waiving Holland after what they went through is likely not a favourable end they would like to come to.

Brown deserves a spot and Lievo is on a 1 way deal. Thats some significant omissions caused by Laich, Greening and Michalek.

Lupul is not much more of a cap drag than Laich and Michalek too.

Yeah. I'm bracing for losing Leivo on waivers. As a Leafs fan, you're not used to actually good prospects being in a position where you might lose them, but that might be a reality here.

But it's sure not easy, like you said.

 

[Wafflewhipper]

Yeah. I'm bracing for losing Leivo on waivers. As a Leafs fan, you're not used to actually good prospects being in a position where you might lose them, but that might be a reality here.

But it's sure not easy, like you said.

It really is hell for me! Leivo or greening? Doesn't seem like a option you should be burdened with. After trying to wrap your head around that one you have multiples of quite the same decisions with equal burden.

Nothing against Laich,Lupul,Greening,Michalek either but they are just a burden. If they stay they hold the rebuild up a year imo.

 

[LeafalCrusader]

I'd go with

Komarov Kadri Brown -Match up against other team's top lines

JVR Bozak Marner- Secondary scoring unit.

Michalek Matthews Nylander- Vet with 2 kids. Line gets sheltered minutes as Matthews and Nylander break in.

Martin Laich Hyman- Physical 4th line.

Extra: Leivo- Subs in with Marner some nights.

 

[PuckMagi]

JVR - Bozak - Lupul
Leivo - Kadri - Marner
Komorov - Matthews - Nylander
Martin - Holland - Hyman

Rielly - Zaitzev
Gardiner - Carrick
Marincin - Polak

Anderson

 

[BozakKadriKessel]

I find it really hard to put lines together for the leafs. They have so many young talented players it becomes difficult to choose who is better off suited for the nhl and whose development can increase with a little more seasoning in the NHL. Here is my attempt at it and why

JVR Kadri Komarov ( Line 1)

This line provides you with size, determination and skill. Jvr is a big body that will likely be the goal scorer on this team. Kadri is the playmaker and our most defensively responsible centermen. Komarov provides that agitating style of play and can provide some offensive touch.



Martin Matthews Marner ( Line 3)

Matthews is likely to be eased into the Nhl before hopefully rising in the lineup before years end. Marner will be the playmaker on the team, elusive , sees the ice extremely well. Matt Martin becomes the beneficiary for playing with the two. He provides size, great defense and skating ability. He opens the ice up for the two boys as his size, and the threat of him being present on the ice may intimidate others and allow marner and matthew more room as the ease into the nhl.

Lines two and four are the lines I struggle with the most. So many bodies , so many young players, and still a chance the leafs sign vessy. If he is signed he locks up the second line position but since he is not there yet this is my best shot at it.

Soshnikov Bozak Nylander ( Line 2)

Bozak provides playmaking ability along, with Nylander who will do much the same. Nylander does provide a quick release but i do see him more of a playmaker. Soshnikov provides the best nhl shot as it is quick and heavy. As mentioned if the leafs were lucky enough to sign vessey he replaces soshnikov.


Hyman Holland Laich/ Rychel ( Line 4)

This line provides hard work , determination and some skill. Could have honestly put in place a tonne of different options here.


The leafs have a log jam at the forward positions and with players like Michalek, Lupul, Levio, Rychel, Laich, Soshnikov, Hyman, Brown etc all fighting for positions it would only make sense for some deals to occur.

 

[Buds17]

Many moving parts and questions. Which young guys are here to stay and how many should make the team right away? Waivers and injuries could play a part. Do they carry two spare forwards or d-men? Can they send players to the AHL that count against the cap?

 

[exporta]

I think it's safe to say that Babcock will start with this template:

Komarov - Kadri - xxx
JVR - Bozak - xxx
Xxx - Matthews - Nylander
Xxx - Laich - xxx

If Marner makes the team, its almost certainly going to be on a vet line. The 3rd player on Matthews/Nylander line will be a vet.

I am not saying this is my line setup, but my guess at Babcock's. I know some people around here will cry about it, but there is a good chance Martin plays with Matthews/Nylander.

Komarov - Kadri - Sosnikov/Brown
JVR - Bozak - Marner
Martin - Matthews - Nylander
Rychel/Greening/Lupul - Laich - Hyman/Soshnikov/Brown/Michalek

The 4th line in my opinion will be the biggest wildcard and my best guess is a vet line. That being said would like to see Hyman/Sosh and Brown make it but I have a feeling its one of the three to start the season.

Once again, this is a guess at the actual line up not my personal make up.

 

[Mad Brills*]

no plugs on a line, that has balance.

The HBK line was speed, but also a player with an amazing shot.

 

[Pucker77]

In my mind a good line is a unit of 3 players with different abilities but their mentality and level of ability are similar. To me those 3 players are a combination of a powerforward, playmaker, and sniper. A line that could be molded from those attributes could be one of JVR-Matthews-Marner.

However, at this time for the Leafs I see the upcoming season as a learning one for all the young bodies like: Matthews, Marner, Nylander, Soshnikov, Leivo, Brown, and Hyman as well as our young defensemen like Rielly, Gardiner, Zaitsev, Marincin, and Carrick.

Because of this learning curve I expect the Leafs to try and separate the young players on different lines in order allow them to play with veterans who can answer any questions they may have. So my potential line up goes s follows:

Komarov-Kadri-Soshnikov
JVR-Bozak-Marner
Greening/Michalek-Matthews-Nylander
Martin/Rychel-Laich-Brown/Leivo

I would try to spread the players around, but Nylander at least has a bit of history in both the NHL and AHL so he may be okay to skate with Matthews as 2 rookies on one line.

I also do not expect a single player on the Leafs to play all 82 games. Whether it be through injury, demotions, or healthy scratches I believe veterans like Michalek, Greening, Lupul, Martin, etc to be out of the line for certain periods of time to give others more playing time. So Leivo, Brown, Hyman, Rychel, and possibly Soshnikov will be in and out of the line-up whether they are healthy or not so that everyone gets playing time until players begin to separate themselves from te rest of the options.

 

[TMLifer]

Anyone else want Marner-Matthews-Nylander on a line so we can call it the MnM line?

 

[TheRexman]

Anyone else want Marner-Matthews-Nylander on a line so we can call it the MnM line?

That's perfect

I'd be interested to see if they could actually work as a line considering all 3 like to have the puck.