And then there were 29... Toronto Maple Leafs 2011-2012

29-man Leafs roster plus projected / proposed 2011-2012 Leafs lineup

Here are the 29 players remaining in the training camp of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs:

Forwards

Kessel
Grabovski
Kulemin
Lupul
Connolly
Armstrong
MacArthur
Bozak
Frattin
Kadri
Boyce
Crabb
Orr
Lombardi
Rosehill
Dupuis
Brown



Defencemen

Phaneuf
Schenn
Gardiner
Liles
Aulie
Franson
Gunnarsson
Lashoff
Komisarek



Goalies

Reimer
Gustavsson
Scrivens


Considering that Brandan Shanahan has now been enlisted as an enforcer by every NHL team, here is a 23-man 2011-2012 Toronto Maple Leafs lineup that I believe could help the Leafs finish in the top six of the conference and take Toronto to the 2nd round of the 2012 NHL playoffs.


Forwards

MacArthur
Grabovski
Kulemin

Lupul
Connolly
Kessel

Frattin
Bozak
Armstrong

Kadri
Boyce
Crabb



Orr
Dupuis




Defencemen

Phaneuf - Aulie
Schenn - Gardiner
Liles - Franson

Gunnarsson


Goalies

Reimer
Scrivens



The reality is shaped by one known factor, and that is that certain players can be sent down to the Marlies without facing waivers, while others (eg Finger et al today) must clear first, and by a big unknown, the trade market. If my lineup above were to be a reality, it would place these players on the trade market:

Lombardi (or to injured list)
Rosehill
Brown (or to injured list)

Lashoff
Komisarek

Gustavsson

Now some of these guys could go to the Marlies but if we're talking Gustavsson or Lombardi, a trade would be more likely. In any case, if 2 or 3 of the above can be packaged for a goal scorer or two I'd be very happy to re-visit the 4 lines proposed above.

I also wouldn't be surprised to see Frattin on the top scoring line, and though it's difficult to ponder the current defensive liabilities being overcome, a combo with Kadri and Kessell could be dynamic.