A thread speculating about possible lines? Already?!

[BlueWhiteBlood]

I maintain that Connolly and Lombardi have to go, one way or the other I think. Nonis should be burning down the Bell lines in the ACC, trying to trade Lombardi somewhere. Unfortunately for Connolly, I think he'll have to be waived. Does Nonis have the nuts to do it?

Riley will maybe take the games (3-5) that Gardiner was going to play (but won't to ease back into it) to start the season, but will ultimately be sent back to the WHL. Holzer will likely stick as the #7 and Komisarek will be in and out of the line-up again this year in favour of Holzer at #6.

 

[Justin]

I maintain that Connolly and Lombardi have to go, one way or the other I think. Nonis should be burning down the Bell lines in the ACC, trying to trade Lombardi somewhere. Unfortunately for Connolly, I think he'll have to be waived. Does Nonis have the nuts to do it?

Riley will maybe take the games (3-5) that Gardiner was going to play (but won't to ease back into it) to start the season, but will ultimately be sent back to the WHL. Holzer will likely stick as the #7 and Komisarek will be in and out of the line-up again this year in favour of Holzer at #6.

I'd give Connolly another chance. He could regain his scoring touch and at the very least he still provides decent defense in a bottom-6 role. Lombardi on the other hand, I can't justifiably put him in the lineup over Kadri and/or Frattin. He was useless and invisible last season, like Stempniak but without the scoring touch.

 

[Redleaf]

I maintain that Connolly and Lombardi have to go, one way or the other I think. Nonis should be burning down the Bell lines in the ACC, trying to trade Lombardi somewhere. Unfortunately for Connolly, I think he'll have to be waived. Does Nonis have the nuts to do it?

Riley will maybe take the games (3-5) that Gardiner was going to play (but won't to ease back into it) to start the season, but will ultimately be sent back to the WHL. Holzer will likely stick as the #7 and Komisarek will be in and out of the line-up again this year in favour of Holzer at #6.

Done.

 

[Frank E]

jonasTSN1050: Randy Carlyle suggests that Bozak-Kessel-Lupul combination more or less set in stone at this point.

Interesting...I'm assuming that JvR/Grabs/Kulemin would make up the second line? MacArthur/Connolly/Some-other-player as a third scoring line?

Edit:

Something like the following might make sense?

Lupul-Bozak-Kessel
JvR-Grabovski-Kulemin
MacArthur-Connolly-Lombardi Kadri/Frattin
Komarov-McClement-Steckel
Brown

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Here's where I think Carlyle is at with the line-up so far:

Lupul-Bozak-Kessel
x-Grabovski-Kulemin
MacArthur-Connolly-x
x-McClement-Steckel

The three x's will be taken by JVR, Kadri, Frattin, Komarov, and Brown. JVR is obviously a lock for one of the first two, I'm just unsure which one right now. Brown is on the 4th line or in the pressbox. Kadri and Frattin are possibilities for the first two x's. Komarov could step into any of the three.

 

[ZBBM]

Here's where I think Carlyle is at with the line-up so far:

Lupul-Bozak-Kessel
x-Grabovski-Kulemin
MacArthur-Connolly-x
x-McClement-Steckel

The three x's will be taken by JVR, Kadri, Frattin, Komarov, and Brown. JVR is obviously a lock for one of them, I'm just unsure where right now. Brown is on the 4th line or in the pressbox. Kadri and Frattin are possibilities for the first two x's. Komarov could step into any of the three.

Kadri has got to step up, now, or die.
Kadri has got to step up, now, or die.
Kadri has got to step up, now, or die.
Kadri has got to step up, now, or die.
Kadri has got to step up, now, or die.

 

[maplesyrup]

Here's where I think Carlyle is at with the line-up so far:

Lupul-Bozak-Kessel
x-Grabovski-Kulemin
MacArthur-Connolly-x
x-McClement-Steckel

The three x's will be taken by JVR, Kadri, Frattin, Komarov, and Brown. JVR is obviously a lock for one of the first two, I'm just unsure which one right now. Brown is on the 4th line or in the pressbox. Kadri and Frattin are possibilities for the first two x's. Komarov could step into any of the three.

I really see Kadri in the middle where you have Connolly, Carlton.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Here's where I think Carlyle is at with the line-up so far:

Lupul-Bozak-Kessel
x-Grabovski-Kulemin
MacArthur-Connolly-x
x-McClement-Steckel

The three x's will be taken by JVR, Kadri, Frattin, Komarov, and Brown. JVR is obviously a lock for one of the first two, I'm just unsure which one right now. Brown is on the 4th line or in the pressbox. Kadri and Frattin are possibilities for the first two x's. Komarov could step into any of the three.

I really see Kadri in the middle where you have Connolly, Carlton.

If Carlyle had Kadri at centre at all during training camp I might agree with you, but I don't believe he has. Connolly's been in that spot all throughout training camp, he's starting the season there.

 

[maplesyrup]

Kadri hasn't played center at camp? Are You sure? If that's the case, I get what you're saying.

Edit: Just saw a tweet that Carlyle was impressed with Kadri's faceoff skills.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Kadri hasn't played center at camp? Are You sure? If that's the case, I get what you're saying.

Edit: Just saw a tweet that Carlyle was impressed with Kadri's faceoff skills.

Looking back through some twitter feeds, Kadri played centre in the top-9 for just one day, with Mac and Kulemin flanking him. Every other day though Bozak, Grabs, and Connolly have been the top 3 centres. If Carlyle had any intention of going with something else down the middle I would imagine he'd have given the alternative some more time at camp.

 

[Bender]

Here's where I think Carlyle is at with the line-up so far:

Lupul-Bozak-Kessel
x-Grabovski-Kulemin
MacArthur-Connolly-x
x-McClement-Steckel

The three x's will be taken by JVR, Kadri, Frattin, Komarov, and Brown. JVR is obviously a lock for one of them, I'm just unsure where right now. Brown is on the 4th line or in the pressbox. Kadri and Frattin are possibilities for the first two x's. Komarov could step into any of the three.

Kadri has got to step up, now, or die.
Kadri has got to step up, now, or die.
Kadri has got to step up, now, or die.
Kadri has got to step up, now, or die.
Kadri has got to step up, now, or die.

Sounds cultish

 

[Britishbulldog]

Here's where I think Carlyle is at with the line-up so far:

Lupul-Bozak-Kessel
x-Grabovski-Kulemin
MacArthur-Connolly-x
x-McClement-Steckel

The three x's will be taken by JVR, Kadri, Frattin, Komarov, and Brown. JVR is obviously a lock for one of them, I'm just unsure where right now. Brown is on the 4th line or in the pressbox. Kadri and Frattin are possibilities for the first two x's. Komarov could step into any of the three.

Kadri has got to step up, now, or die.
Kadri has got to step up, now, or die.
Kadri has got to step up, now, or die.
Kadri has got to step up, now, or die.
Kadri has got to step up, now, or die.

Sounds cultish

;D  LOL!

 

[Britishbulldog]

Something like the following might make sense?

Lupul-Bozak-Kessel
JvR-Grabovski-Kulemin
MacArthur-Connolly-Frattin
Komarov-McClement-Steckel
Brown

You're right, the lineup doesn't look terrible.  But given the fact that this lineup is also probably not going to seriously challenge in the post-season, I'm with some of the other posters here who would like to see the team run with some youth.  After all, guys like Connolly, and MacArthur likely won't be back next year.

Also, this lineup is going to get pushed around - hard - against a LOT of teams.  Teams like Boston, Ottawa, Carolina, heck even the Canadians, are going to be able to take some serious liberties if this is the lineup.

Man, am I ever with you on that one Champ Kind!!

With Lombardi already gone, I wish 2 things. One, that Nonis could use some trade bait (starting with UFAs Connolly and MacArthur who you noted) for a tougher top forward because you can add to your list of Eastern teams Philadelphia, NYR, NYI and Florida.  Except for Buffalo and Tampa Bay, the Leafs are back to being smurfs.  Nonis HAS TO see that even more than us fans.

2nd, I am one of those Leaf fans who would like to see room made on the roster for 2 or 3 of the younger players to be brought in.  Not Rielly and Biggs young, but Kadri, Colborne, Frattin, etc.  This will also be accomplished by moving out the older players.

Using CTB post as a foundation:

Here's where I think Carlyle is at with the line-up so far:

Lupul-Bozak-Kessel
x-Grabovski-Kulemin
MacArthur-Connolly-x
x-McClement-Steckel

The three x's will be taken by JVR, Kadri, Frattin, Komarov, and Brown. JVR is obviously a lock for one of the first two, I'm just unsure which one right now. Brown is on the 4th line or in the pressbox. Kadri and Frattin are possibilities for the first two x's. Komarov could step into any of the three.

I really want to see all 5 of those players you listed CTB on the Leafs opening night roster so I think 2 more spots need to be freed up.  I would also like to see the other 3rd/4th line UFA players moved at this point like Lombardi was.  Connolly might just play himself off the team though.

With a tough player in the top 6 as well as Brown(or Orr when Brown is injured) and Fraser in the line-up the Leafs would be OK.  The rest of the roster can hold their own.

I hope that wasn't too 'Armchair GM' ish.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

When did I wake up in an alternative universe where Ottawa, Montreal, Florida, Carolina, and the Islanders were considered tough? Them having one or two players on their bottom lines isn't going to make a difference in that respect.

 

[Britishbulldog]

When did I wake up in an alternative universe where Ottawa, Montreal, Florida, Carolina, and the Islanders were considered tough? Them having one or two players on their bottom lines isn't going to make a difference in that respect.

I guess my concern is that the Leafs don't have a response to Neil, Parros or Westgarth is things get stupid (like sitting Belak in NJ with Kaberle on the ice). 

I will give you Montreal as Prust is a decent fighter but not much better than Brown.  If Montreal dresses Moen, White, Prust and they are running players then I expect that Komisarek and Phaneuf with Brown can clean them up. 

Anyway, I am derailing the 'possible lines' thread with team makeup speculation.

I am hoping at least for:

Lupul - Bozak - Kessel
JVR - Grabovski - Kulemin
Frattin - Kadri - Komarov
Brown - McClement - Steckel/MacArthur

More of a Detroit model which has been proven successful than Boston/Philadelphia which I prefer.

 

[Justin]

When did I wake up in an alternative universe where Ottawa, Montreal, Florida, Carolina, and the Islanders were considered tough? Them having one or two players on their bottom lines isn't going to make a difference in that respect.

I guess my concern is that the Leafs don't have a response to Neil, Parros or Westgarth is things get stupid (like sitting Belak in NJ with Kaberle on the ice). 

I will give you Montreal as Prust is a decent fighter but not much better than Brown.  If Montreal dresses Moen, White, Prust and they are running players then I expect that Komisarek and Phaneuf with Brown can clean them up. 

Anyway, I am derailing the 'possible lines' thread with team makeup speculation.

I am hoping at least for:

Lupul - Bozak - Kessel
JVR - Grabovski - Kulemin
Frattin - Kadri - Komarov
Brown - McClement - Steckel/MacArthur

More of a Detroit model which has been proven successful than Boston/Philadelphia which I prefer.

MacArthur, who's scored 20 and 21 goals in his 2 seasons as a Maple Leaf, is on the 4th line?

 

[TML fan]

Lupul - Bozak - Kessel
Kulemin - Grabovski - MacArthur
van Riemsdyk - McClement - Kadri
Komarov - Steckel - Brown
Connolly - Orr

I don't think Frattin makes the team out of camp. He's not a 4th liner and I think Kadri's time is now. Perhaps not this season because its short, but I predict a trade of either Kulemin or MacArthur at some point to make room for Frattin. Perhaps in the off season because of the shortened season.

If the Leafs decide at any point to move Kadri to centre, it will be on the top line.

 

[Jalili]

Lupul - Bozak - Kessel
Kulemin - Grabovski - MacArthur
van Riemsdyk - McClement - Kadri
Komarov - Steckel - Brown
Connolly - Orr

I don't think Frattin makes the team out of camp. He's not a 4th liner and I think Kadri's time is now. Perhaps not this season because its short, but I predict a trade of either Kulemin or MacArthur at some point to make room for Frattin. Perhaps in the off season because of the shortened season.

If the Leafs decide at any point to move Kadri to centre, it will be on the top line.

I like these lines but don't see Steckel making the lineup ahead of Connolly.

 

[TML fan]

Lupul - Bozak - Kessel
Kulemin - Grabovski - MacArthur
van Riemsdyk - McClement - Kadri
Komarov - Steckel - Brown
Connolly - Orr

I don't think Frattin makes the team out of camp. He's not a 4th liner and I think Kadri's time is now. Perhaps not this season because its short, but I predict a trade of either Kulemin or MacArthur at some point to make room for Frattin. Perhaps in the off season because of the shortened season.

If the Leafs decide at any point to move Kadri to centre, it will be on the top line.

I like these lines but don't see Steckel making the lineup ahead of Connolly.

I have to disagree. Carlyle seemed a big fan of Steckel when he took over last year. I think Connolly is pretty much done here.

EDIT: Connolly is probably a better defensive player, but Steckel owns him in the faceoff circle, which is a huge advantage in both offensive and defensive zone faceoffs. Since the 4th line generally doesn't play very much, I don't think Connollys benefits outweigh Steckel's. Steckel is a pure role player who knows and accepts that, whereas Connolly is supposedly a playmaking centre who would essentially be playing out of his element. As such, I think Steckel is the better option.

 

[maplesyrup]

Looking back through some twitter feeds, Kadri played centre in the top-9 for just one day, with Mac and Kulemin flanking him. Every other day though Bozak, Grabs, and Connolly have been the top 3 centres. If Carlyle had any intention of going with something else down the middle I would imagine he'd have given the alternative some more time at camp.

Well, we shall see what Carlyle's intentions are. Either way, I'm really pulling for Kadri.