Was thinking about this today as the SDP was discussing whether Nash would be in the lineup or not game one of the playoffs when fully healthy. I assumed yes in my head but then I started mapping out a fully healthy Leafs forward lineup and there actually isn't much space for him.
Fully Healthy Leafs Forward Lineup/Depth Chart
Foligno-Matthews-Marner
Galchenyuk-Tavares-Nylander
Hyman-Kerfoot-Mikheyev
Thornton-Spezza-Simmonds
Extras
Nash
Brooks
Engvall
The Left Wing position on the first three lines can be played with a bit depending on ones preference. I like Hyman with Kerfoot and Mikheyev because that's basically what the HEM/ZIP line was in terms of speed and tenacity, but you exchange Engvall's size for Kerfoot's skill and he's a bit more of an agitator. I think you can play Hyman or Foligno on lines 1, 2, or 3 and not miss a beat on any of them. Galchenyuk I feel would only be effective on lines 1 or 2, don't envision him as a third liner.
But enough justifying my LW position. Who would Nash bump out of the lineup here? I mean maybe you take Galchenyuk out of the lineup who's been struggling of late, make Hyman and Foligno your top two LWs and then mix and match the bottom 6 how you see fit. Maybe Simmonds moves up and Nash plays with Thornton and Spezza, or Kerfoot moves to the wing and Nash centres him and Mikheyev.
Do we even need Nash in the lineup game one of round one? If Simmonds and Thornton's play recently against Winnipeg in a playoff atmosphere was a taste of what they'll bring in the actual postseason why mess with that? Everyone in the Top 9 has played very well and hasn't earned a demotion. Do any of Montreal, Calgary, or Vancouver possess the offensive weapons and offensive depth that would justify prioritizing inserting a defensive specialist into the lineup over guys who have been here and have a good relationship and chemistry with their teammates?
Too much good depth is a good problem to have, but a conundrum nonetheless. I mean jeez Engvall is basically Gauthier 2.0 and instead of him playing all 7 games in a series (like Gauthier did in 2019) he's #15 on the depth chart, maybe lower depending on how the organization feels about guys like Robertson, Noesen, Suomela, etc.
Regardless, the above is what I expect the opening forward lineup to be Game 1 of the playoffs if (God willing) everyone is healthy. I do hope Galchenyuk picks it up though. He's been underwhelming defensively recently, though the offensive prowess is still there even if he hasn't been converting in the way of points.
The defence is much easier to work out. Game one of round one if the health of everyone back there holds will look like:
Leafs Defensive Lineup Game 1 round 1
Rielly-Brodie
Muzzin-Holl
Sandin-Dermott
Extras
Hutton
Liljegren
Marincin
IR
Bogosian
The top four has been good all season. Yes even Holl who has been taking criticism lately has still been solid more often than he's been a liability. He and Muzzin have been having uncharacteristic gaffes lately and I wish the coaching staff would load manage them better but alas the cap situation makes it difficult. Hopefully a relatively light schedule to end the season (8 games in 17 nights with another 3 day break after this one in the middle of that) will allow our guys to regain energy. Sandin has looked great in his short stint here and the only real question is which one of him, Dermott, or Bogosian sits when Bogo gets healthy (which should be early in the first round).
The goaltending situation is an interesting one but I think we all have a grasp on who will start Game 1.
Leafs Goaltending Game 1 Round 1
Campbell
Andersen
Extras
Rittich
Hutchinson
I think Campbell has earned the privilege of starting the playoffs for the Leafs. Say what you will about Andersen's longevity and pedigree, he has not been healthy or played enough this season to justify starting him relatively cold in the playoffs when the games really matter. Barring him starting 6 out of our 8 remaining games and being a brick wall in all of them it's Campbell's net to lose. Or Campbell could shit the bed in the waning days I suppose but no one should expect that. I do hope Andersen does get games in and is operating at near max capacity. Better to have two healthy goalies than one. There's a lot of baggage with Andersen and the playoffs to be sure, and Campbell is inexperienced, so really the team just needs to ride whichever hand is hot and right now that's Jack.