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Toronto Maple Leafs: How the offence could line up with John Tavares

By James Reeve

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 27: John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders competes in the Gatorade NHL Puck Control Relay during the 2018 GEICO NHL All-Star Skills Competition at Amalie Arena on January 27, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 27: John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders competes in the Gatorade NHL Puck Control Relay during the 2018 GEICO NHL All-Star Skills Competition at Amalie Arena on January 27, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
TORONTO, ON – MARCH 31: Nazem Kadri #43 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Winnipeg Jets during an NHL game at the Air Canada Centre on March 31, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Jets defeated the Maple Leafs 3-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Nazem Kadri /

KADRI LINE

Kadri, a key part of the Mar-Kad-Mar line last season, has now become arguably one of the best third line centres in the entire NHL.

His ice time will likely drop slightly, but the best way to take advantage of Kadri is by giving him two speedsters who could have plenty of offensive upsides.

Andreas Johnsson and Kasperi Kapanen deserve to be playing quality minutes in the NHL and partnering them with a strong goalscoring centre with defensive upside will help their progress greatly.

Kadri will likely still put up good numbers playing alongside Johnsson and Kapanen, with Johnsson particularly showing a deft hand for scoring and playmaking in the AHL.

His nine shots on goal in an NHL game last season also shows he is ready to be unleashed and will work hard alongside the Leafs’ longest-serving player.

Centre: Kadri

Left Wing: Johnsson

Right Wing: Kapanen

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