which C is on for the first shift this year ?

[Maplebeasts]

I would enjoy the cruelty of starting Tavares to rub it in.

 

[HamiltonNHL]

I would enjoy the cruelty of starting Tavares to rub it in.

and you'd have the C in his jersey too ?

 

[leaffaninvancouver]

I think it will be Matthews but it's stupid that someone, somewhere will make this an issue. I can picture the main boards now.

Does Matthews feel slighted? Is Tavares able to play second fiddle? Did Babcock start Kadri to send a message to Matthews and Tavares? Sprinkle in a few Judas comments if it's an Islanders fan or their new mascot.

 

[Slyfox]

Prolly Kadri because Babcock.

 

[notDatsyuk]

They didn't give the C to anyone this season. Not yet anyway.

My first thought too, but he means 'centre'. Or possibly 'center'. (Not 'centaur').

 

[DarkKnight]

Is this July still?

 

[ECanuck]

will it be symbolic?

I say Matthews. But what if it is Tavares ?

I don't think any of us would lose sleep over it. It might be Kadri for match up purposes. Symbolic of Bobcat sticking to the structure.

 

[WillyC]

so nice to have these options

 

[thewave]

I think it will be Kadri at the home opener.

Kadri for sure

 

[PromisedLand]

Kadri

 

[Buds17]

Matthews

 

[Havoc]

Kadri has that seniority for sure. Babcock won't disrespect.

 

[Brown Dog]

These threads are getting highly specific!

 

[Kiwi]

Lindholm

I want to see the reaction on the board afterwards, I'm sure it would be highly amusing

 

[The CyNick]

For people who followed the Leafs last year they know it will be Kadri.

 

[hector morrison]

No Willy? Then Jt starts cause Babs loves him some Hyman! With Willy? Matthews starts.

 

[Maplebeasts]

and you'd have the C in his jersey too ?

No because I think Matthews should be the captain whenever we name one.

 

[FalcorMulch]

If Babcock line matches with this lineup......I'll be calling for his head. Pure stupidity. With a lineup like this, you take the reins and force other teams to match up with the Leafs, not the other way around. Other teams will be jumping for joy if Babcock tries to line match.

He said in an interview with the Athletic that he's still going to use Kadri's line as the shutdown line but that he won't need to match as much as last season.

 

[Man Bear Pig]

That's exactly the answer and the reason. Just convenient Montreal starts their first line.

What if MTL starts their 2nd or 3rd line ?

The Habs have a first line?

 

[slozo]

Tavares will be the starting C (that stands for CENTRE, people) on the opening draw of opening night.
My best guess, anyways.

And Matthews first shift will be awesome to watch, odds of him scoring a goal will be 2 to 1 in the first 5 minutes. He'll be playing with a huge chip on his shoulder (in a good positive way).

 

[7even]

Tavares cuz he's a vet and it's Mike Babcock. I mean, cmon, eveyone knows what he's about.

 

[Rogie]

I STILL can't believe JT is a Leaf - so much is right in the universe these days.

 

[taurine330]

Maybe it is Kadri facing off MTLs top line.

 

[SHANNYPLAN]

It will be Naz, just to shut down any first line/second line controversy

 

[Warden of the North]

I hope its Hyman just to prove Babs has a sense of humour