Toronto Maple Leafs: 2008-2009 Projected Lineup and Expectations

Despite dramatic changes in the offseason, I can assure you that the Leafs will start the preseason with a fortified bench. The current roster on Mapleleafs.com consists of 24 forwards and 10 defensemen, however, only 12 forwards and six defensemen can play. First off, there is a handful of forwards that we know are going to be in the lineup for sure. Those are Antropov, Blake, Devereaux, Moore, Ponikarovsky, Stajan, and Steen. Then come those forwards like Bell, Tlusty, and Williams, who all managed to play some games last season, and will probably be sitting on the bench ready to play in game one against the Red Wings. That's 10 forwards right there. With Mats's and Darcy's absence, there's room for two more forwards. Instead of picking the top two forwards from the remaining roster, I'll figure out how the lines are going to work and what type of forwards are needed. First off, we know Antropov and Blake are going to be on the first line, and that Matt Stajan (who will most likely also be ... (link)