The Toronto Maple Leafs are entering the 2025-26 season with familiar expectations and a slightly retooled roster, leading to the perennial question of how to best deploy their star power. Should they load up one or two lines with their best players in an attempt to overwhelm opponents, or spread the talent more evenly throughout the lineup to create matchup problems and a more balanced attack?
The case for "stacking" relies on the proven chemistry and offensive upside of certain combinations. Auston Matthews, arguably the team's most valuable player, needs to be centered on the top line. Matthew Knies has played on Matthews' left side for the past two seasons. The question remains on who will play on the right. One option is Max Domi, who has shown flashes of brilliance alongside Matthews. His playmaking and energy could complement Matthews' scoring prowess.
A stacked top line would theoretically feast on weaker defensive pairings and provide a consistent offensive threat. It also allows the coach to dictate matchups, ensuring that the team's best players are on the ice in crucial situations. However, this strategy comes with risks. Over-reliance on one line can make the team predictable and easier to defend against. It also puts immense pressure on the top unit to produce, and if they are shut down, the team's offense could stagnate.
The alternative approach is to "spread" the wealth, creating multiple lines that can score and drive play. This strategy aims to create matchup nightmares for opposing coaches, forcing them to allocate resources to contain multiple threats. A balanced attack can also provide more consistent offense throughout the game, as different lines can step up at different times. One potential configuration involves keeping John Tavares and William Nylander together on the second line. This duo has a history of success and can provide a reliable secondary scoring punch.
The remaining forward spots could be filled by a mix of skilled players and grinders, creating lines that are both offensively capable and defensively responsible. Bobby McMann and Nicolas Roy could form a heavy-forechecking duo capable of contributing offensively. Young players like Easton Cowan and Matias Maccelli could also be given opportunities to showcase their skills in the top-nine.
Ultimately, the optimal lineup strategy will depend on a variety of factors, including the team's overall health, the performance of individual players, and the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents. It's also possible that the Leafs will adopt a hybrid approach, stacking their top line in certain situations while spreading out the talent in others. The coaching staff will need to be flexible and adapt their strategy as the season progresses.
Regardless of which approach they choose, the Maple Leafs will need contributions from all four lines to be successful. In today's NHL, depth is essential, and teams that can consistently roll four lines are difficult to beat. The Leafs have the talent to ice a competitive team, but it will be up to the coaching staff to find the right combinations and deploy them in a way that maximizes their potential.
