"Break up Matthews and Marner": Ex-NHLer Carlo Colaiacovo speculates on Maple Leafs' new top line set to dominate next season

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Jul 12, 2024 22:00 GMT

Former NHL defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo discussed the Toronto Maple Leafs' possible top line for the upcoming season on the First Up 1050 Radio show. Like Leafs fans, he's interested in how the team will set up its lines.

"I think I'm very curious to see how he (Craig Berube) wants to lay things out to start camp, assuming that Mitch is indeed part of the equation. So there are two ways to look at this." Colaiacovo said.

He floated the idea of splitting Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, who are usually seen as an inseparable pair.

"One, it's a pigeon suggestion to say break up Matthews and Marner. Many see them as Batman and Robin" he added.

Colaiacovo suggested an interesting idea: pairing Matthews and Marner with Max Domi on the first line.

"If you split them up, what do you do? Play Marner with Nylander and Tavares? You can't put Marner on the third line to start the season." Colaiacovo said. "I think the actual peacock move here would be to form a first line with Domi, Matthews, and Marner because they've all been successful playing with Auston Matthews."

He recognized it could be difficult keeping three of the top four Maple Leafs forwards together on one line, which might reduce the team's overall depth.

"You can't have three of the four forwards on the same line or you'll diminish the depth, which is the team's strength with these four guys. The bold move would be to play Domi with Matthews and Marner because of the success they've had together." Colaiacovo explained.

Analysts are closely examining the Maple Leafs' lineup for the upcoming season, speculating on the team's direction and strategy. Projected line combinations offer insights into Coach Craig Berube's plans, pending any changes before opening night.

Kyle Dubas faces scrutiny for Toronto Maple Leafs tenure in Craig Custance's upcoming book

Kyle Dubas, now with the Pittsburgh Penguins since June 2023, is under scrutiny for his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs. This is detailed in Craig Custance's upcoming book, "The Franchise: The Business Of Building Winning Teams," out in October 2024.

Custance examines Dubas' struggles managing contracts for Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner, noting delays and criticism for overspending.

Despite regrets, Dubas supports his decision to sign John Tavares but admits to mishandling earlier negotiations.

"The biggest mistake I think I’ve made in my whole time here has been not taking care of the three incumbent contracts." Dubas said. "William Nylander was up, Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews could have been done on July 1 extensions."

With Sidney Crosby's pending extension in Pittsburgh, Dubas faces a familiar dilemma: prioritize immediate success or plan for the long term.

Custance's book promises insights into Dubas' efforts to manage high expectations in one of hockey's toughest markets.