The Toronto Maple Leafs are a month into the regular season and are finally starting to gain some steam. While they started out stumbling, the team found themselves stringing some key wins together. Before last night’s loss, the Leafs had won three in a row.
While the core four is no longer together, the pressure on captain Auston Matthews remains high. Coming off of a down year by his standards and stating the season slow has some fans concerned. The former 69-goal scorer is still trying to find his form, and some of that comes with having the right linemates. Let’s take a look at what he needs.
What Matthews needs from his linemates
Auston Matthews is the cream of the crop when it comes to goal-scorers in the NHL, so the players on his wing must live up to their roles. Firstly, they need strong puck possession and clean zone entries so Matthews can get the chances he thrives on. If his linemates are constantly chasing the puck or getting hemmed in their own zone, Matthews’ ability to generate offence will drop. He will also need someone who can go and retrieve the puck in the corners and fight those crucial board battles.
Second, his wings should contribute either as finishers or be able to help set up, so defences can’t over-cheat on Matthews alone.
Third, chemistry and familiarity matter: His wingers have to understand Matthews’ tendencies, where he needs the puck, and how he likes to operate throughout the game.
Finally, while offence is extremely important, the winger must be reliable on both ends; the defensive IQ and board play are vital to support depth and maintain balance. Matthews himself is a great two-way centre who can keep his own on defence as well.
Candidate #1: Matthew Knies
Matthew Knies brings size, physicality, and a gritty style of play to battle along the boards and in the crease, all traits that work well alongside Matthews. The Leafs have already played Knies with Matthews last season, in camp and early this season, testing that chemistry.
His presence and size allow Matthews more space to operate as the shooter/sniper, while Knies can crash the net and create rebounds, second-chance opportunities, or distract defenders. The risk is consistent, but he has shown promise. Knies is younger and still finding his rhythm at the NHL level. If he struggles, Matthews may end up carrying more of the line or facing tougher matchups. But as a consistent first-line winger who offers what Matthews needs, Knies is a strong candidate.
Candidate #2: William Nylander
Nylander is the second-best offensive talent with finishing ability on this team, so playing him with Matthews makes a lot of sense. This is what Toronto did last night, though it did not work.
Nylander’s ability to make plays, exploit space and finish chances gives Matthews a dynamic partner. Nylander is also a great puck handler and has the speed to keep up with the play. The downside? Nylander also commands a leading role on the second line just by his own merit; placing him beside Matthews may weaken the depth they need down the lineup. Also, if Nylander’s defensive game or board work lags, it could leave Matthews exposed. Still, for pure skill alone, Nylander is hard to beat
Candidate #3: Max Domi
While perhaps less considered than the other two, Domi has already been given a look beside Matthews and Knies. Reports note he practiced with them, and he has also played on the wing in previous seasons. Domi brings playmaking skill, creativity and most importantly, passion.
Domi is born into a Leafs household, and he is meant to be here. If Matthews needs a winger who can generate chances and fight for his linemates, Domi delivers. On the flip side, the physical profile and crease presence are less than Knies, so Matthews may need to adapt his style slightly. But Domi offers an interesting alternative if the Leafs want a more finesse-style player of a smaller size.
