We can safely assume that Matthew Knies will take up one spot. The other, however, isn\u2019t quite so locked in. But if history is any indication, there can only be one option. That\u2019s one of Matthews\u2019 old buddies, Jack Roslovic.<\/p>\n
The history between Matthews and Roslovic is well known. The two played together with the US National Development team way back in the day. They never got the chance to play together since then, until now.<\/p>\n
And that\u2019s why it makes sense to capitalize on old-time connections to make the Leafs\u2019 top line hum this upcoming season. Why not?<\/p>\n
Is there anyone else really better suited to play with Matthews and Knies? There\u2019s an argument for Gavin McKenna<\/a> to earn a spot there. For now, it would be best to give the star rookie a bit of a break. <\/p>\n Putting McKenna on a line with John Tavares could ultimately be better for his development. If McKenna proves he\u2019s good enough to earn top-line minutes, well, that\u2019s a move the club will make in due course.<\/p>\n In the meantime, Roslovic should be the guy. Beyond the history with Matthews, there\u2019s another interesting point to consider.<\/p>\n Roslovic can hang with major NHL stars<\/p>\n Last season, Roslovic played with the Edmonton Oilers. He earned some playing time alongside another NHL superstar, Cale Makar.<\/p>\n That situation allowed Roslovic to score 21 goals in 69 games. Granted, the 29-year-old didn\u2019t play every game with McDavid. In fact, the Oilers had a bit of a moving target as the Oilers\u2019 lines moved around seemingly on a nightly basis.<\/p>\n Regardless, Roslovic can roll with the big guns. And it will be that experience that should help Roslovic fit in well with Matthews. The Maple Leafs\u2019 top line doesn\u2019t figure to be one of the most grinding ones in the NHL. But it doesn\u2019t have to be. With Roslovic and Knies as linemates, Matthews could return to his Rocket Richard form.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t look now, but this might just be one heck of a season for Matthews and company. They\u2019ll have the benefit of Jim Hiller\u2019s<\/a> more balanced approach. With familiar faces surrounding him, it could very well be that the Maple Leafs\u2019 top line becomes one of the beasts in the league.<\/p>\n
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