Here are the lines I have penciled if we went in with the forward group we have TODAY.
Kessel-Bozak-JVR
Nylander-Kadri-Lupul
Clarkson-Gauthier-Frattin
Komarov-Holland-Orr/Mclaren/Broll/Devane
I think Gauthier will play this season, and so will William
its pretty ambitious to think that the leafs will be able to insert that many rookies into the lineup and be somewhat competitive. if the idea is not to be competitive then we would still be better served by having the kids play in an environment where they can learn and improve without the added pressure of being in the toronto fishbowl.
to think a 19 year old nylander will just step up and play 2nd line minutes is a pipedream imo. its not that he doesnt have the skill but he doesnt have the defensive awareness nor the strength yet.
to think that gauthier would be able to play 3rd line minutes is also pretty ambitious. the best part of his game is his defense. IF we needed a center, he has the size but would be much better served in a protected roll on the 4th line but i think its moot as the leafs would be fools to try and rush this kid. if we take our time he might be able to develop his offensive game. if we put him in a strictly defensive position now i fear he could end up as a steckle type.
i also have a hard time seeing clarkon on the 3rd line even though that is where he belongs. at $5.25 million i would think the leafs would give him every opportunity to try and play on the 2nd line.
i suspect based on what we have the lineup will be something like the following and taking into accound what nonis said about holland.
jvr-bozak-kessel
lupul-kadri-clarkson
komorov-xxxxx-ashton
frattin-holland-broll
the caveat is that the 4th line is going to play and be like a young 3rd line more then 4th line pluggers. the reason why i think broll will get the spot is because he is a mike brown type. he is really tough, young, cheap, and can skate. im not expecting tons of offense out of him but he should be able to do what orr/mclaren have done without being as much of a liability on the ice.
as for nylander and gauthier i think nylander starts on the marlies and gauthier goes back to jr. if all goes well hopefully holland can move up to 3rd line center in the future and gauthier to 4th line and progress from there.