NHL.com has unveiled their projected starting lineup for the Toronto Maple Leafs for the upcoming season, and it includes some notable new additions.

Chris Tanev, a 34-year-old defenseman, is one of the fresh faces joining the team. Acquired in a trade from the Dallas Stars at the end of June and signed to a six-year, $27 million contract on July 1st, Tanev brings a physical edge and stability to the defense. Last season, he contributed two goals and 17 assists over 75 games with the Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars. He is expected to pair with Morgan Rielly on the top defensive line.

Another new addition is Oliver Ekman-Larsson, a 33-year-old Stanley Cup Champion defenseman who signed a four-year contract with the Leafs on July 1st. After a successful season with the Florida Panthers, where he scored nine goals and 23 assists in 80 games, Ekman-Larsson is anticipated to join Timothy Liljegren on the second defensive pairing. His experience and power-play expertise, with 186 career man advantage points, are expected to be a significant boost.

The third defensive pairing will likely feature Simon Benoit and Jake McCabe, who are expected to play key roles in penalty killing.

In goal, Joseph Woll is set to start the season as the number one goalie. However, if he faces challenges, Anthony Stolarz, also a recent Stanley Cup winner with the Panthers, could step in. Stolarz, who signed a two-year contract on July 1st, ended last season with a strong record of 16-7-2, a 2.03 GAA, and a .925 save percentage.

On the offensive side, the Leafs have maintained much of their forward lineup, with the main change being the departure of Tyler Bertuzzi. Matthew Knies is projected to start the season on the first line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, despite some criticism of his performance last year. Head coach Craig Berube, also a new addition, will be tasked with optimizing Knies’ contributions.

Here is the projected lineup according to NHL.com:

Forwards:
– Matthew Knies — Auston Matthews — Mitch Marner
– Bobby McMann — John Tavares — William Nylander
– Pontus Holmberg — Max Domi — Calle Jarnkrok
– Connor Dewar — David Kampf — Ryan Reaves

Defense:
– Morgan Rielly — Chris Tanev
– Oliver Ekman-Larsson — Timothy Liljegren
– Simon Benoit — Jake McCabe

Goalies:
– Joseph Woll
– Anthony Stolarz