The Maple Leafs aren't younger or bigger; they are tougher

If you compare last year's opening lineup and what you might expect on Thursday it shows a similar lineup with respect to age, height and weight. That's not to say this year's lineup won't be tougher. Replacing Antropov with Primeau may reduce the size of your average player but not toughness. Kubina and Komisarek are the same size but Komisarek adds a lot of agression.

2008-09 Opening Lineup

Blake – 35
Mayers – 34
Antropov – 28
Ponikarovsky - 28
Hagman – 28
Moore – 28
Hollweg – 25
Grabovski - 24
Stajan – 24
Steen – 24
Mitchell – 23
Kulemin – 22
Tlusty – 20
Kubina – 31
Kaberle – 30
Van Ryn – 29
Finger – 28
Frogren – 28
Colaiacovo - 25
White – 24
Schenn – 18
Joseph – 41
Toksala – 31

Average age: 27.3
Average height: 6'1"
Average weight: 202 lbs


Projected 2009-10 Opening Lineup

Blake – 36
Primeau - 33
Ponikarovsky - 29
Wallin - 29
Hagman – 29
Orr – 27
Stempniak - 26
Grabovski - 25
Stajan – 25
Mitchell – 24
Rosehill - 24
Kulemin – 23
Stalberg – 23
Kaberle – 31
Van Ryn – 30
Beauchemin - 29
Finger – 29
Exelby – 28
Komisarik - 27
White – 25
Schenn – 19
Toksala – 32
Gustavsson - 25

Average age: 27.3
Average height: 6'1.5"
Aveage weight: 202 lbs