Leafs make major shakeup to line combinations

While the Toronto Maple Leafs aren't exactly in the National Hockey League's basement with their current 4-3 record so far in the young 2022-23 NHL Season, they certainly haven't been firing on all cylinders. Head coach Sheldon Keefe was more than happy to point that out after recent losses to the lowly Arizona Coyotes last week as well as their latest setback at the hands of former Leafs forward Phil Kessel and the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday night. 

Their work doesn't get any easier as their Western road swing continues with matchups against all three California based teams. And prior to tomorrow's game against the struggling San Jose Sharks, the Leafs raised more than a few eyebrows when they announced a dramatic shuffle to their lines combinations.

Fans will immediately notice that second year forward Michael Bunting, who was a runner up for last year's Calder Memorial Trophy as the League's top rookie, has been demoted to the 3rd line, skating with Calle Jarnkrok and Denis Malgin. Meanwhile, Alex Kerfoot takes Bunting's place on the top line alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. Kerfoot previously played on Toronto's top line during last year's postseason, and Matthews can attest to his puck dishing abilities. 

“I don’t want to say he defers but he gets you the puck. We want the puck as much as possible,” Matthews said of Kerfoot. “I just think he does a really good job of getting open. Very smart and very cerebral."

Toronto's full lines during their most recent practice are as follows: 

Kerfoot - Matthews - Marner
Robertson - Tavares - Nylander
Bunting - Jarnkrok - Malgin
Aston-Reese - Kampf - Engvall
Simmonds, Aube-Kubel

Rielly - Brodie
Sandin - Holl
Giordano - Mete
Kral

It will be Erik Kallgren getting the nod between the pipes tomorrow for the Leafs against San Jose, which will begin at 10:30 PM EST.