Maple Leafs lines become clear after questions surround their 3C role

This off-season has been a busy one for Toronto, with General Manager Brad Treliving clearly motivated to upgrade their goaltending situation and the blue line, doing so with the additions of Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Anthony Stolarz. Now, questions have emerged over their forward group, but more specifically their third-line center role, despite many expecting that John Tavares may slide down after being demoted under Sheldon Keefe a year ago.

That may not be the solution after all however, with Daily Faceoff's current Maple Leafs line projections having Max Domi taking on the role, as Matthew Knies, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner handle the first line duties, with William Nylander and Bobby McMann alongside Tavares in the top six. With Domi would be Pontus Holmberg and Calle Jarnkrok, and while that's a solid line, it just doesn't bring the danger that Toronto need down the lineup, and with a fourth line that has little offensive firepower, their bottom six is in major need of some work.

Another potential option for Toronto is Holmberg, who played down the middle at times throughout the 2024/25 campaign, although he is projected to be much more successful at the NHL level on the wing. The wild card for GM Brad Treliving in this situation is Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten, who can both fill the role, but with no significant NHL experience, it would be a major risk as they look to chase the Stanley Cup this season.

Bottom line, Toronto have plenty of options to fill the 3C role, and with young assets that can be moved at the trade deadline, they may be patient in making a move, and if they don't and their internal options start slow, they may panic ahead of the trade deadline.

Source: Maple Leafs Daily
It appears there's a clear reason why the Leafs didn't bring in a 3C this summer