Leafs practice notes: McMann, Nylander join Matthews on first line, Carlo paired with McCabe
Bobby McMann and William Nylander joined Auston Matthews on Toronto’s top line, via line rushes posted by The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel. McMann and Nylander inject the top line with high speed and playmaking ability.
Matthew Knies, John Tavares and Matias Maccelli formed the second line. Easton Cowan was reinserted into the lineup as the right wing of the third line, alongside Dakota Joshua and Nicolas Roy. Steven Lorentz, Max Domi and Calle Jarnkrok formed the fourth line. Domi was placed on the first line against New Jersey Devils, but Knies-Matthews-Domi struggled to generate meaningful offense.
Jake McCabe was paired with Brandon Carlo in Toronto’s best defensive group. Chris Tanev was placed on injured reserve earlier Thursday morning, retroactive to Oct. 21, forcing Berube to reshuffle his defense combinations. Philippe Myers joined Simon Benoit, while Morgan Rielly will likely be grouped with Oliver Ekman-Larsson for Friday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres.
Toronto also reshuffled its power play units, after starting the year by converting 2 of 16 chances with the man advantage. Ekman-Larsson took over Rielly’s role, although that could be because Rielly did not attend Friday’s session. Matthews, Tavares, Nylander and Knies remained on the top unit.
🚨 Roster shuffle in Toronto: Chris Tanev hits IR, Dakota Mermis recalled from Marlies “Not the end of the world. It’s the next guy..” bit.ly/TLN401
@thegoldenmuzzy & @Jay_D_Rosehill explained the news on Leafs Morning Take:
The Maple Leafs vs. Sabers projected lines
Bobby McMann-Auston Matthews-William Nylander
Matthew Knies-John Tavares-Matias Maccelli
Dakota Joshua-Nicolas Roy-Easton Cowan
Steven Lorentz-Max Domi-Calle Jarnkrok
Jake McCabe-Brandon Carlo
Morgan Rielly-Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Simon Benoit-Philippe Myers
Anthony Stolarz
Cayden Primeau
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