Three NHL Teams Facing Major Lineup Choices

Here's a look at three NHL teams grappling with significant lineup decisions for the upcoming season:

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs face uncertainty with their 2024-25 roster due to shifts in both defense and forward lines. With Tyler Bertuzzi's departure, the top six forwards will see changes. Potential line combinations include Matthew Knies with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, and a second line featuring John Tavares and William Nylander. Who fills the remaining spots�whether it's Bobby McMann, Nick Robertson, or a new acquisition�will be crucial.

On defense, the arrival of Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson presents new options. Expected pairings might include Tanev with Morgan Rielly, and Jake McCabe with Timothy Liljegren. The final defensive spots are still up in the air, with potential pairings including Ekman-Larsson and Jani Hakanpaa.

Vancouver Canucks

Following a strong 2023-24 season, the Canucks have revamped their forward group. The loss of Elias Lindholm to Boston was offset by signing Jake DeBrusk, Daniel Sprong, Kiefer Sherwood, and Danton Heinen. Coach Rick Tocchet will need to determine the best fit for these players, whether it's DeBrusk on the top line with J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser or in a different role.

Defensively, Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek will anchor the top pair. Carson Soucy's partner could be Tyler Myers or Vincent Desharnais, while Derek Forbort is also in the mix. Tocchet will have to find the right chemistry among these new combinations.

Dallas Stars

The retirement of Joe Pavelski and trades involving Radek Faksa and Ty Dellandrea have shifted the Stars' lineup. Youngsters Wyatt Johnston and Logan Stankoven are poised for larger roles, and Mavrik Bourque, the AHL's top goal-scorer, might make an impact. Colin Blackwell is expected to contribute to the fourth line.

On defense, veterans Chris Tanev, Jani Hakanpaa, and Ryan Suter have been replaced by Matt Dumba, Ilya Lyubushkin, and Brendan Smith. The top pairing of Miro Heiskanen and Thomas Harley is likely to remain unchanged, but other pairings are still to be determined, with Lyubushkin potentially partnering with Esa Lindell or Nils Lundkvist.

What lineup decisions are your favorite team facing? Share your thoughts with us!