Knies or Bert on the topline would be there for their corner work and net presence. You have removed that element putting Nylander on the topline. Why?
Bert-Matthews-Marner
Jarnkrok-Domi-Nylander
Knies-JT-McMann
Dewar-Kampf-Reaves/Holmberg

Just my opinion, the 2nd line needs someone with a 2-way game so Jarnkrok is the guy. Knies playing against the 2nd or 3rd pairing d-men with JT and McMann could really be productive. I really would want Holmberg in the lineup over Reaves but that takes away the only guy that keeps the other team from taking liberties.

After watching the leafs for years it makes sense loading up the top line and have them learn to do stuff themselves. They’re taking up most of the cap and it unrealistic to rely on players with low cap hits like knies, Ritchie, bunting, bertuzzi (not a low cap hit but also just doesn’t fit), jarnkrok. Those guys aren’t built for high minutes. Knies is a rookie and already playing on a top line which might hurt his game as he has to adjust being the 3rd guy on a top line rather than a player who just needs to improve and start his career. He plays well with them rn but not great. Also will benefit the top guys because there won’t be anyone to help them during scrums. They would have to learn to be team players and do it themselves. Might help them be more aggressive and motivated to grab the puck in the corners. The top players set the tone for the team and that’s something most people don’t understand. Although I still understand and respect ur decision with what u want for the playoffs. I just feel there needs to be more of an initiative out of the top guys

Nylander will never be a guy to go in the corners and take a hit to make a play.
Matthews never makes the big hit which he could and NEVER gets involved in scrums to support teammates.
Marner undersized plays similar to Nylander but does give the occasional hit.
JT gets hit hard a lot and nobody comes to his defense. He does hit and will also take one to make a play.
These guys will never change their style of play the leafs just haven't had the cap space left to get the proper supporting group.

Yes, I know this. Which is why you put them all on the same line. So they are forced to do it themselves.