Max Domi can be a polarizing player in Toronto. Some people love the offence he brings. He’s a spirited player. There are plenty of people who believe that Max wants to be a Maple Leaf more than anything else because of his dad, and Mats Sundin.

The other side of that sees a player who isn’t strong defensively. Is a playmaker who doesn’t drive offence. And plays a lot of centre even though they probably shouldn’t.

A lot of those negative traits apply to Jack Roslovic as well, although swap out playmaker for shooter, and give him a right shot. Also, like Domi, he’s tagged as a high-end third-line offensive player more than a true top six talent. Secondary scoring has its place, but like with the Oilers, Roslovic might find his offence more forthcoming in sheltered options against weaker competition than riding shotgun to the team’s stars.

This isn’t a condemnation of the Roslovic signing. Of the options available, Roslovic was one of the better offensive talents available. And while goal differentials weren’t encouraging when Roslovic played with Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, a line with Matthew Knies and Auston Matthews would give Roslovic players that make up for his defensive shortcomings. The question becomes whether the Leafs can get Roslovic to pass instead of shoot in those situations. How important is the right shot on the top line to Auston Matthews’ success?

If you look at Roslovic’s results in Edmonton, there are encouraging results from his time playing with Matt Savoie. Without drawing too much of a parallel (Savoie is the higher upside prospect), putting Roslovic with Cowan, another all-zone youngster, might be a third line fit. Nick Paul would balance that line out nicely as well but leaves the team with a vacancy in the top six. This line is likely the Plan B.

Roslovic seems earmarked for Matthews. The Maccelli, McMann, Domi, Cowan, Robertson, etc. run of wingers on the top line last season was never meant to replace Marner, but the Leafs never fully tested Matthews with another right shot other than the Nylander guest appearances on the top line last season.

Given that Domi spent more time playing with Matthews than even Matthew Knies last season, it again feels like Roslovic is the Domi upgrade and confirms his intended usage unless Jim Hiller has a radical re-envisioning of the lineup card.

Knowing what worked and didn’t work in Edmonton, there might be a solution to Roslovic on the top line. It is trying someone different than Matthew Knies on the left wing. Not something radical, as Knies and Matthews spent half the time Auston was in the lineup playing on different lines, but when looking at the Leafs other youthful options, McKenna’s playmaking could make him an asset. Cowan’s complete game and edge, along with puck distribution ability, could make him an asset as well. The Leafs potentially running a Knies-Tavares-Nylander second line has its benefits too, pushing the Leafs closer to the idea of two first lines.

If Domi returns at some point in the season, it’s also possible a Domi-Matthews-Roslovic line is worth exploring (maybe just not giving them defensive zone starts).

The right-handed shot isn’t the only reason to be optimistic about Roslovic on Matthews wing. Despite Cy Young-type numbers the past couple of seasons, Roslovic has historically been a playmaker. Couple that with his speed, and he’s a worthwhile two season experiment.

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