Maple Leafs head coach, Mike Babcock admitted on Saturday, he’s still not 100% sure what his team will look like opening night.

And that’s ok, competition is as healthy as ever in Maple Leafs’ camp. Let’s start off with what we know to be locked in the lineup.

Auston Matthews knows he’s playing with Andreas Johnsson and William Nylander. No questions asked. With Nylander having a full training camp under his belt, but also the peace of mind knowing he’s playing with Matthews, expect the newly minted #88 to have a breakout season. Johnsson is perfect for the duo’s left side, as his speed and tenacity compliment them to a tee. Expect this line to do serious damage this season.

John Tavares came to Toronto to play with Mitch Marner. The first year resulted in a career-high in goals and the second year could be even better. Kasperi Kapanen gets his chance to move to the left side of the ice while Zach Hyman continues his rehab, however, if Kapanen comes out of the gate like a house on fire, and this line is clicking, there’s an outside chance Kappy could stay there for the foreseeable future, allowing Hyman to play a more well-suited checking role on the 3rd line. These are good problems to have people.

this is where the fun begins

Alexander Kerfoot has displayed his foot speed and high hockey sense all camp and has impressed since arriving from Colorado. He’s locked into starting the season as the 3rd line centre. His wingers, on the other hand, present massive question marks for Coach Babcock.

So far, the young Russian, Ilya Mikheyev has been pencilled in on the left side of the 3rd line. Mikheyev has been a pleasant surprise for the Maple Leafs. They knew his compete level would be there, the team wasn’t sure what kind of production to expect. Mikheyev has shown his ability to chase down pucks, be a big body, and his willingness to get into the dirty areas, which is a great sign for the team. If Mikheyev pans out, Mike Babcock and Kyle Dubas deserve some massive praise for the find.

On the right side of the 3rd line, expect Trevor Moore to be given every opportunity to occupy the spot until Zach Hyman comes back, which will result in Moore being bumped down to the fourth line. Moore has been lights out for the team since he arrived before the playoffs last season. Not the biggest, not the most skilled, but nobody on the ice is working harder.

The fourth line will include Jason Spezza. After that, your guess is as good as mine. Freddy the Goat has an inside track on the right-wing spot, as the team is happy with his improved skating ability. Could he get sent down? Absolutely a possibility.

The biggest question mark could be who rounds out the fourth line. Tonight, Yegor Korshkov will be playing the biggest game of his career. Funny to say considering it’s the last game of the preseason, however, if Korshkov wants to make this team, now is his chance. The 6’4 Russian who the Leafs drafted with the first pick of the 2nd round in 2016, has been impressing with his soft hands and scoring touch so far in camp. Korshkov will be battling Nic Petan and Dmytro Timashov for the final two roster spots. One in a uniform, and one in a suit.

Mcsween’s opening night lineup

Johnsson Matthews Nylander

Kapanen Tavares Marner

Mikheyev Kerfoot Moore

Timashov Spezza Gauthier

Petan

Rielly Ceci

Muzzin Barrie

Sandin Holl

Marincin

Let’s hope for the sake of Leafs Nation’s sanity, Justin Holl has himself the game of his life tonight and pushes Martin Marincin down the depth chart. One problem, Mike Babcock is Marty’s biggest fan and has done nothing but praise him for how he’s transformed his body and built on the World Championships to be as confident as ever playing in the NHL.

Mike Babcock is happy with where his team stands. 97% of his decisions are made, the backup goalie is locked in, and he knows there are two guys on his injured reserve who will be ready to step into his lineup on a regular basis in roughly 6 weeks.

The Maple Leafs lineup is in great shape going into the 2019/2020 season. All the star players are signed sealed and delivered as GM, Kyle Dubas delivered on his promise. For Coach Babcock, the only questions are down in the bottom feed of the lineup card, and that’s exactly where they should be.