One of the most popular part of every true hockey fan's diet is this years top prospect pool. Everytime a new GM comes in prospects often go out or vanish i.e Leivo, J Bracco and a new brand of player replaces them. Every year we fall in love with our guys, only to find out they really are just another 3rd liner and not the next Bobby Orr meets Wendel Clark afterall.So, please be advised these are simply guides based on the potential stored in that human, the future NHL hockey player but few make it. Many will languish in the AHL, and some come from nowhere, left field. We are here to sieve through common hockey fan knowledge and report some sort of consenus on who will make the NHL, not who has the most upside, so rarely is it met.
Over the years I have seen many come and go, yet the Leafs have been able to find the likes of : Carl Gunnarson, Anton Stalman, Andreas Johnsson,Pierre Engvall with later picks while throwing away the Courtnalls, Rasks, Niedermayers and Stanley Cup Steen types for chump change. Once again, Leaf G.M Kyle Dubas lined up to challenge the "you need draft picks" to build theory. Toronto has lost quite a few picks while letting some players walk for nothing, such as JVR,Bozak, Gardiner, Hyman etc. Their pool was now a little shallow, especially once Rasmus Sandin and Nick Robertson graduated to fulltime NHL play. Most likely this year at some point with Rasmus Sandin being as close to a lock as you can get. Dubas had been scouring talent pools everywhere and I would say he has done well with his self-inflicted sparse pick situation this draft. So, without further ado here is:
The Toronto Maple Leafs 2021 Prospect pool.
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Rasmus Sandin | #38
D | 5' 11" | 183 lb | Age: 21 | Toronto Maple Leafs
1) Rasmus Sundin has played at the NHL level now and shown one day, sooner rather than later, he will be the best defenseman drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs since Thomas Kaberle was taken in the 7th round many years ago. Rasmus really showed his huge upside potential while some thought he wasn't quite ready for the NHL playoffs last year, he will be with a full year of NHL play under his belt. Skating seems to be the main concern and learning how to play defense at the NHL level takes time. Sandin will one day replace Morgan Reilly while bringing some physicality to the defense. Sandin clearly projects as a top 2 defenseman who can run a powerplay, it is obvious he has very strong offensive instincts for the game while being very young. To date, this is clearly Dubas' best pick and Sandin is still very young, he took a small step back in last years playoffs in some people's eyes but he is definitely a corner stone Dubas can hang his hat on. Should the Leafs find one more Top 2 Defenseman, we may already have him in Niemala, Sandin will likely lead the next pack, should Morgan Reilly decide to go do a Hyman and take the big payday next summer as an unrestricted free agent.
In my opinion many Leaf fans don't yet realize how good this kid could be but a Top 2 defensemen who can play 12 plus years on your defense, aren't that easy to come by.
Considering where he was drafting from(29th overall) Dubas smacked this one for a triple. I have to give him an A on this pick, no one else saw this pick but Dubas. Landing a top Defenseman who has leadership ability, grit, defensive awareness,offense coupled with potential Good Hockey IQ and coachable, Bravo, we just need one more. Then Leaf fans can be very comfortable that if Reilly, Muzzin, Brodie move on or get injured, our defense will be in good hands for years to come.
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2. Nick Robertson -
Nicholas "Nick" Robertson is an American professional ice hockey left winger for the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League as a prospect to the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League. He was selected 53rd overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Wikipedia
Born: September 11, 2001 (age 20 years), Arcadia, California, United States
Height: 1.75 m
NHL Draft: 53rd overall, 2019; Toronto Maple Leafs
Position: Left wing
Weight: 161 lb (73 kg; 11 st 7 lb)
Playing career: 2020–present
Siblings: Jason Robertson
Robertson looks close to being NHL ready and it will most likely be this season at some point. He is a fast pest who can score and isn't afraid to go to the dirty areas.He has top 6 potential and could score 30 goals in his prime playing years. He is a sniper with speed and grit, he makes up for lack of size with hustle and determination. Taken in the second round, I would give Dubas a grade of "B" for this pick.
Demoted to Toronto marlies.
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3. Rodion Amirov
Rodion Amirov
Born: October 2, 2001
Birthplace: Salavat, RUS
Shoots: Left
Draft: 2020 TOR, 1st rd, 15th pk (15th overall)
Rodion is a winger who can score, has top 6 potential and is defensively aware. He came over in the Kappanen Pittsburgh trade and in a few years could be better than Kappanen although not as good a skater. I could see Amirov pushing out 30 goals on the top 6 in about 3 years time.
I like the pick and see more uspide in him than defensemen Timothy Liljegren who many rank higher. I will give Dubas a B for the pick so far and don't expect to see Rodion in the NHL for 2 seasons, even if he does time on the Marlies as rumoured.
Some when asked called Amirov(currently injured Nov 12 /21) the steal of the draft and others think he could be the next Kucherov.
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4. Timothy Liljegren was taken by the Hunter regime at 17th pick overall - Liljegren has been apprenticing with the AHL Toronto Marlies for a while now and it is time for him to make the jump to the NHL this year. Some see him as a future top 4 defensemen but that may be years away at closer to the age of 25, some defenseman do take longer such as Anton Stralman, a former Leaf Swedish pick. Views range on Timothy, on how good he is and how good he could be. Right now he looks to be a top 6 defender who can skate, has some offensive upside but needs to learn how to play defense at the NHL level. Right now I grade this pick a C+ in a very weak draft year 2017.
Born: April 30, 1999 (age 22 years), Kristianstad, Sweden
NHL Draft: 17th overall, 2017
Height: 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight: 193 lb (88 kg; 13 st 11 lb)
Playing career: 2015–present
Current teams: Toronto Maple Leafs (#37 / Defenseman), Toronto Marlies (#7 / Defenseman)
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5. Topi Niemela -
Born: March 25, 2002
Birthplace: Oulu, FIN
Shoots: Right
Draft: 2020 TOR, 3rd rd, 2nd pk (64th overall)
Position : Defense
Niemela is looking very promising and at times even dominating at his level. He looks to have top 2 potential and is an amazing pick at 3rd round. One of Dubas' better picks I have to give this one an A-.
2021-22 Kärpät Liiga 7 1 5 6 2 -1 |
Finland U20 (all) International-Jr 7 2 5 7 6 -1 |
He takes phenomenal care of the puck, can distribute through layers in the neutral zone, isn't afraid to use the centre of the ice, and just displays a high level of competence with the puck on his stick. Niemela smartly scans the ice with shoulder checks as he skates to collect the puck, then smartly and decisively acts in a way that quickly moves play in the other direction. -EliteProspects 2020 NHL Draft Guide
Read the latest on Niemela's progress https://editorinleaf.com/2021/11/05/toronto-maple-leafs-prospect-niemela/
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6. Matthew Knies -
Left Wing -- shoots L
Born Oct 17 2002 -- Phoenix, AZ
[18 yrs. ago]
Height 6.03 -- Weight 210 [191 cm/95 kg]
Drafted by Toronto Maple Leafs
- round 2 #57 overall 2021 NHL Entry Draft
Knies is not your typical Dubas pick. This guy is a puck hound with size who hits and may be the future replacement for departed Zach Hyman to Edmonton as unrestricted free agent.
Skating;
Knies skating will need some work for him to make the NHL. Of councern is his first step which hurts him in getting going along with his choppy stride. He isn't explosive and would need to work on both his acceleration and top-end speed. Knies is smart enough to keep up with the play but a good NHL skating coach could help to improve this part of his game. Knies does have decent edgework and agility. He is able make a quick move to get past the defense in order to open up eith a passing or a shooting lane.Knies is strong on his skates but needs to get even better at fighting through checks and driving to the net.
Offensive Game:
Knies is considered to be a very creative player. Knies is able stickhandle in tight spaces and extend plays while waiting for his teammates to become open. With his hands and agility, he can beat defenders in tight spaces. Knies loves to drive the front of the net and he protects the puck well down low in the cycle game. Knies vision and hockey IQ is in question mark however. Knies is at times a little too fancy and at times makes one move too many instead of dishing of the puck to a teammate. At timesit leads him getting into trouble and losing the puck.
Knies knows how to score goals. He is strong in front of the net and creates issues for goalies.Knies is willing to go to the net without the puck and fight to get into position, tip-in shots, or pounce on any rebounds. He has a powerful wrist shot which has very good accuracy. IfKnies can learn to get his shot off quicker and more deceptively, he will become a much bigger threat to score. Knies isn’t afraid to get involved physically and does an effective job of forechecking.
Defensive Game:
Knies defensive game needs work for him to make the NHL level. Knies lack of speed as well and his trying to do too much in the offensive zone leads to him turning the puck over sometimes. It often leads to him getting caught up ice away from the play. Knies has a tendency to cheat on the breakout, leaving the zone before he is sure of his team’s breakout. Knies does a good job of containing the cycle and cutting down passing lanes.
Projections:
Knies could be a top-six winger in the NHL if he achieves full potential. He has the puckhandling and passing skills, as well as the size to make for a good power forward someday. The Leafs will have to work on his skating and his defensive game first. Knies will most likely be playing NCAA hockey for the couple of seasons and is a couple of seasons away. I will give Dubas a B- for the pick in a crazy covid draft
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7. Roni Hirvonen -
When you watch Hirvonen without focusing in on him directly it can be easy to come away wondering why some consider him a potential first rounder. He is undersized, and really has no stand-out abilities either physically or technically. However, the young Finn plays the game to a high level primarily because of what he has between his ears.
Hockey sense is the best attribute he possesses, though he is also a very good passer. He skates well enough but not exceptionally, has nice vision, and is very good off the puck at finding lanes and creating space for himself and team-mates. Hirvonen is in the right place, at the right time, all the time. Inside his own blue-line he has a good defensive IQ and stick, and even though immature won’t shy away from contesting pucks. The young pivot does not have much flash to his game, but has pretty good hands. He is also great on the draw for his age, and has put up good possession stats this year with 51.2% Corsi.
There are, however, legitimate questions over his offensive upside, and whether his skillset will allow him to be anything more than “just” a decent middle-sixer. It is worth noting though that last year his 1.10 P/GP better than guys like Kasperi Kapanen, Jesperi Kotkaniemi at same age, while playing mainly third line minutes in Liiga. It would not be a major surprise if he found himself as an NHL second liner down the line if he develops well.
Hirvonen is a defensive player who takes penalty-kills, and can run a power-play due to his vision. he drawn comparisons to Mikael Granlund while some see a little Saku Koivu in him. He looks to be a potential 3rd line center and I will give Dubas a B for this pick
Date of Birth
Jan 10, 2002
Position
C
Age
19
Height
5'9" / 176 cm
Place of Birth
Espoo, FIN
Weight
172 lbs / 78 kg
Nation
Finland
Shoots
L
Youth Team
EJK
Contract
22/23
NHL Rights
Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs / Unsigned
Drafted
2020 round 2 #59 overall by Toronto Maple Leafs
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8. Mikhail Abramov -
Date of Birth
Mar 26, 2001
Position
C
Age
20
Height
6'0" / 183 cm
Place of Birth
Moskva, RUS
Weight
172 lbs / 78 kg
Nation
Russia
Shoots
L
Contract
23/24
Cap hit : $809,444
Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs / Signed
Drafted
2019 round 4 #115 overall by Toronto Maple Leafs
This guy is a fast riser who has top 6 skills. I have to give Dubas a B for this pick, for a fourth rounder, very promising.
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9. Nick Abruzzese
Date of Birth
Jun 04, 1999
Position
C
Age
22
Height
5'9" / 175 cm
Place of Birth
Slate Hill, NY, USA
Weight
161 lbs / 73 kg
Nation
USA
Shoots
L
-
NHL Rights
Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs / Unsigned
Drafted
2019 round 4 #124 overall by Toronto Maple Leafs
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10. Mikko Kokkonen -
Date of Birth
Jan 18, 2001
Position
D
Age
20
Height
5'11" / 181 cm
Place of Birth
Mikkeli, FIN
Weight
194 lbs / 88 kg
Nation
Finland
Shoots
L
Contract
22/23
NHL Rights
Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs / Unsigned
Drafted
2019 round 3 #84 overall by Toronto Maple Leafs
Most see Kokkonen in the NHL as a steady, reliable defensemen but whether he is top 4 is very questionable. Grade C+.
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11. Veeti Miettinen -
Player Facts
Date of Birth
Sep 20, 2001
Position
RW
Age
20
Height
5'9" / 175 cm
Place of Birth
Espoo, FIN
Weight
159 lbs / 72 kg
Nation
Finland
Shoots
L
-
NHL Rights
Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs / Unsigned
Drafted
2020 round 6 #168 overall by Toronto Maple Leafs
Miettinen has a quality release that helps generate an effective and effortless wrist shot. He's a real power play threat from the half-wall. Miettinen can find players in the seam and in the slot. He has good edges, and he flashes very good speed. He can change his speed and surprise defenders with quick bursts, with good four-step acceleration. -EliteProspects 2020 NHL Draft Guide
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12. Dmitri Ovchinnikov -
This guy is the one to watch, out of left field.
Russian forward Dmitri Ovchinnikov has had a real breakout year. Playing for Sibirskie Snaipery Novosibirsk in the MHL, Russia’s under-20 league, he has put up over a point per game. Ovchinnikov scored 24 goals and 31 assists for 55 points in 54 games. He also earned a chance to play in the KHL, getting in two games for Sibir Novosibirsk. While he didn’t pick up any points, he also didn’t get much ice time as his parent club is taking their time in developing a promising young player. Ovchinnikov also played two games for the Russian Under-18 National Team, picking up two goals and an assist for three points.
This is a guy to watch and may come out of left field and turn into a top 6 offensive gem.
I will give Dubas a B+ for this pick.
Date of Birth
Aug 19, 2002
Position
F
Age
19
Height
5'11" / 181 cm
Place of Birth
Chita, RUS
Weight
163 lbs / 74 kg
Nation
Russia
Shoots
L
Contract
21/22
NHL Rights
Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs / Unsigned
Drafted
2020 round 5 #137 overall by Toronto Maple Leafs
Plays with pace, attacks the inside, cuts through traffic, makes flashy net drives, and creates passing lane. He identifies the trailer and teammates through layers. Defensively, Ovchinnikov brings refined decision-making and discipline. He supports the play, keeps an active stick to deter passes, and brings a consistent effort." -EliteProspects 2020 NHL Draft Guide
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13. Semyon Der-Arguchintsev -
Date of Birth
Sep 15, 2000
Position
C
Age
21
Height
5'10" / 178 cm
Place of Birth
Moskva, RUS
Weight
165 lbs / 75 kg
Nation
Russia
Shoots
R
Contract
22/23
Cap Hit
$766,667
Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs / Signed
Drafted
2018 round 3 #76 overall by Toronto Maple Leafs
I will give Dubas a C+ on this one.
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14. Pontus Holmberg -
Left Wing -- shoots L
Born Mar 9 1999
[22 yrs. ago]
Height 5.10 -- Weight 179 [178 cm/81 kg]
Drafted by Toronto Maple Leafs
- round 6 #156 overall 2018 NHL Entry Draft
Offensively skilled player with pretty good speed and exceptional hockey sense. Skilled at setting up plays, but could improve his shooting ability (EP 2018)
There are some who think Holmberg has 3rd line potential. I will give Dubas a C+ for this pick.
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15. Filip Kral -
Date of Birth
Oct 20, 1999
Position
D
Age
21
Height
6'2" / 188 cm
Place of Birth
Blansko, CZE
Weight
194 lbs / 88 kg
Nation
Czech Rep.
Shoots
L
Contract
22/23
Cap Hit
$810,000
Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs / Signed
Drafted
2018 round 5 #149 overall by Toronto Maple Leafs
Kral has NHL potential and can be watched on the Toronto Marlies this year. I will give Dubas a C+.
* Demoted to the Toronto Marlies (AHL)
Given fifth round, not bad C+.
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16) Pavel Gogolev -
Date of Birth
Feb 19, 2000
Position
LW
Age
21
Height
6'1" / 185 cm
Place of Birth
Moskva, RUS
Weight
198 lbs / 90 kg
Nation
Russia
Shoots
L
Contract
23/24
Cap Hit
$834,167
Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs / Signed
Gogolev is such a dexterous puck-carrier. He plays the puck within a defender's triangle, with his elbow free from his body, and fluid wrist movements throughout. His ability to corral the puck and swiftly transition into a curl-and-release shot makes him a legitimate two-touch threat every time he secures the puck in the offensive zone. -EliteProspects 2020 NHL Draft Guide
*Demoted to the Toronto Marlies.
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17.
Mike Koster -
Date of Birth
Apr 13, 2001
Position
D
Age
20
Height
5'9" / 175 cm
Place of Birth
Chaska, MN, USA
Weight
170 lbs / 77 kg
Nation
USA
Shoots
L
-
NHL Rights
Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs / Unsigned
Drafted
2019 round 5 #146 overall by Toronto Maple Leafs
Some make a comparison to Travis Dermott. Again a good pickup for Dubas , I will give a C+.
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18. Alex Steeves -
Date of Birth
Dec 10, 1999
Position
Forward
Age
21
Height
5'11" / 180 cm
Place of Birth
Bedford, NH, USA
Weight
185 lbs / 84 kg
Nation
USA
Shoots
L
Contract
23/24
Cap Hit
$834,167
Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs / Signed
Signed as a free agent.
Grade B. Some think Steeves is too good for the AHL and is a buzzsaw ready for the NHL whose skating has drastically improved.
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19. Axel Rindell -
Date of Birth
Apr 23, 2000
Position
Defense
Age
21
Height
6'0" / 182 cm
Place of Birth
Espoo, FIN
Weight
176 lbs / 80 kg
Nation
Finland
Shoots
R
Contract
21/22
NHL Rights
Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs / Unsigned
Drafted
2020 round 6 #177 overall by Toronto Maple Leafs
Career Highlights-
1-time World Championship Silver Medal
Read complete scouting
report from EP draft guide
"He's developed into a legitimate dual-threat offensive driver from the blue line. Rindell is easily an above-average shooter from the point, one that must be taken seriously as he quarterbacks the power play. He has a good one-timer, a deceptive wrist shot, and is good at creating shooting lanes for himself with fakes." -EliteProspects 2020 NHL Draft Guide.
Another C+ pick for Dubas, given 6th rounder.
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20. Artur Ahktyamov -
Date of Birth
Oct 31, 2001
Position
Goalie
Age
19
Height
6'1" / 185 cm
Place of Birth
Kazan, RUS
Weight
157 lbs / 71 kg
Nation
Russia
Catches
L
Contract
22/23
NHL Rights
Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs / Unsigned
Drafted
2020 round 4 #106 overall by Toronto Maple Leafs
An exciting pick that has jumped Woll and Scott on the goaltender list. I will give Dubas a B for this pickup.
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21. Mac Hollowell -
Born Sep 26, 1998
Position
Defense
Age
23
Height
5'9" / 175 cm
Place of Birth
Niagara Falls, ON, CAN
Weight
170 lbs / 77 kg
Nation
Canada
Shoots
R
Contract
21/22
Cap Hit
$799,766
Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs / Signed
Drafted
2018 round 4 #118 overall by Toronto Maple Leafs
I think Hollowell has NHL potential but he has to make a move soon or may languish in the AHL and become NHL injury call-up material. I will give Dubas a C+.
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22. Ty Voit
Born:Jun 10, 2003
Position
C/LW
Age
18
Height
5'10" / 178 cm
Place of Birth
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Weight
161 lbs / 73 kg
Nation
USA
Shoots
R
NHL Rights
Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs / Unsigned
Drafted
2021 round 5 #153 overall by Toronto Maple Leafs
Too early to give a grade, 5th rounder with good upside.
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23. Ian Scott -
Date of Birth
Jan 11, 1999
Position
G
Age
22
Height
6'4" / 192 cm
Place of Birth
Calgary, AB, CAN
Weight
179 lbs / 81 kg
Nation
Canada
Catches
L
Youth Team
Westwood MHA
Contract
21/22
Cap Hit
$805,833
Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs / Signed
Drafted
2017 round 4 #110 overall by Toronto Maple Leafs
Injuries have slowed Scott's development making it hard to fully gauge his game, as of yet.
This guy has the potential, now he needs a full season, injury free, to grade.
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24) William Villenueve -
Date of Birth
Mar 20, 2002
Position
Defense
Age
19
Height
6'1" / 185 cm
Place of Birth
Sherbrooke, QC, CAN
Weight
181 lbs / 82 kg
Nation
Canada
Shoots
R
Contract
24/25
Cap Hit
$835,000
Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs / Signed 3 year ELC
Drafted
2020 round 4 #122 overall by Toronto Maple Leafs
William just got sent back to the QMJHL and will need time to fully assess.
There is a lot of potential the Leafs may get here but he is 3 years away unless he jumps leaps and bounds this year. Another C+ since most 4th rounders don't make it.
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25 a) Joesph Woll -
Time is running out but Woll has an outside chance of making NHL backup someday but this year will be crucial for him.
Born :Jul 12, 1998
Position
G
Age
23
Height
6'4" / 193 cm
Place of Birth
Dardenne Prairie, MO, USA
Weight
203 lbs / 92 kg
Nation
USA
Catches
L
Contract
21/22
Cap Hit
$750,000
Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs / Signed
Drafted
2016 round 3 #62 overall by Toronto Maple Leafs
This one is the true C pick. It is possible but he may get his lunch eaten soon as well.
As of Nov 11 2021 Woll has been called up and may make his Leaf debut with Marazek out due to a reinjured groin. We may soon see what we have in Woll.
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25 b). Ryan Tverberg -
Date of Birth
Jan 30, 2002
Position
C
Age
19
Height
6'0" / 183 cm
Place of Birth
Richmond Hill, ON, CAN
Weight
190 lbs / 86 kg
Nation
Canada / USA
Shoots
R
Youth Team
Etobicoke Bulldogs
-
NHL Rights
Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs / Unsigned
Drafted
2020 round 7 #213 overall by Toronto Maple Leafs
Some see a future 3rd or 4th line Center with some physicality and ability to score. A good pickup for a 7th rounder. Dubas get a B- for Tverberg.
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**** Honourable mention: Vyacheslav Peksa is a goalie taken in the 6th round and is playing very well in the MHL right now. The 6ft 2, 163 lb goalie plays with Irbis Kazan in 20 games he is 1.79 GA .938 Save percentage 4 shutouts and has a 9W-6T-5L record. Keep an eye on this kid.
The Leafs have a total of 9 defenseman, 6 mostly smallish centers, 8 wingers and 3 goalie prospects in their top 25 prospects list. Defense would certainly seem to be the strength of the prospect pool with some very promising wingers in addition. The centers are mostly of the smallish/skill variety most having 3rd or 4th line abilities and we are still seeking that future number one goalie prospect. The defensemen seem to me mostly of the mobile and offensive style with good skating mold and we could use a couple of bigger, physical, defensive types. The pool is a decent one with skill and mobility but still needs add more size/grit into it.
Given that Dubas has given away so many picks and Rasmus Sandin and Nick Robertson being about to graduate to NHL play, I will grade the current prospect pool a C+, still in the bottom half of the league. We still have a lot of holes to fill and need one or two guys to make a big jump this year or next.
We have a prospect pool that demands to be filled with more picks to fill some holes we clearly have. The Leafs simply can't afford to let a player like Morgan Reilly just walk away for free.
---> *( The Maple Leafs signed defenseman Morgan Reilly to 8 year deal at $7.5 Million per year. Dubas will have to move some players to make room for this deal on the cap next year.)
As of Christmas 2021 the concensus is the Leafs prospect pool is ranked roughly 15th to 17th but Sandin and Liljegren have clearly graduated to NHL regulars.
The following have all been demoted to the AHL Toronto Marlies as of Oct 5th 2021:
F Mikhail Abramov
D Joseph Duszak
D Noel Hoefenmayer
D Teemu Kivihalme
F Jack Kopacka
F Jeremy McKenna
F Nick Robertson
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2022 - End of season comments on Prospects.
Toronto Star- By Kevin McGranStaff Reporter
Wed., May 25, 2022
FORWARDS
Pontus Holmberg
The five-foot-11 centre’s name was the first one out of Dubas’s mouth when asked about prospects. He’s 23, shoots left, was drafted in the sixth round in 2018 and put up a couple of good years in Sweden. The Leafs have done well with players who develop overseas (Engvall was another). Holmberg joined the Marlies for the final six games of their season, putting up two goals and two assists. He was also on Sweden’s Olympic team. “We feel he’ll challenge for the roster,” said Dubas.
Nick Robertson
It feels like time for the 20-year-old left-winger to get a clear shot at a top-six role. If Mikheyev leaves as a free agent, Robertson could get a chance. But injuries have been an issue: He played just 26 games with the Marlies, 10 with the Leafs. It won’t be the end of the world if the 2019 second-rounder needs another year of seasoning. “One thing he really elevated was his shot selection,” said Marlies coach Greg Moore. “Shooting from anywhere can be good at times, but he was a lot more selective in getting into the right areas, possessing the puck or extending the possession to get those better looks, to get those higher quality chances.”
Alex Steeves
The undrafted rookie centre from Notre Dame jumped to the front of the queue by putting up 23 goals in 58 games with the Marlies, despite starting the season injured. He got into three NHL games and has some versatility. “He did a really good job at problem-solving his way through the schedule, the season, the workload,” said Moore. “If he found himself in a little bit of a dip, he was quick to come out of it by asking the right questions, going through the right process of figuring out what’s needed. And if he wasn’t producing it, how else he can have an impact.”
Nick Abruzzese
Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe had positive things to say about the Harvard product and how plays didn’t end on his stick, that he always found a way to keep the action going. The 22- year-old, a fourth-round pick in 2019, finished the season in the NHL and scored his first goal. Some seasoning with the Marlies might be in order, however.
Curtis Douglas
How does six-foot-eight, 249 pounds sound? If he makes the NHL, he’d be one of the biggest centres ever. The Marlies signed him to an AHL contract and he was so impressive (13 goals, 21 assists) that the Leafs gave him to a two-year, entry-level deal. “He came in here and got a lot of confidence early,” said Marlies GM Ryan Hardy. “He probably produced to a level that I didn’t expect. I also felt that his competitiveness, his ability to fight ... I’m certainly glad I wasn’t on the other end of those events. You look at him and you start to project what he could be as he continues.”
Bobby McMann
Like Douglas, he signed an AHL deal to start the season and earned an entry-level contract. McMann ended up with 24 goals, a record for Marlies rookies (Josh Leivo had 23 in 2013-14). He’s 25, though, and a bit like a late-blooming Adam Brooks. “When I met with him (early in the season) I challenged him,” said Hardy. “I said, ‘Hey, I love your work ethic. I love your mindset. I love the power that you bring. I want you to continue to evolve your game and make more east-west plays and be a little more creative.’ For him to come in here and break that record for rookie scoring just speaks to the quality player he is.”
Joey Anderson
Acquired from the New Jersey Devils for Johnsson, Anderson is 23 and has 58 NHL games to his credit. After a 26-goal season with the Marlies, it’s time to assert himself as a bona fide NHLer. He finished the year as a healthy scratch on the Leafs playoff roster.
DEFENCE
Joseph Duszak
The 24-year-old was a second-team AHL all-star (seven goals, 44 assists) and will be knocking on the door — with the Leafs or another team. The restricted free agent is undersized at five-foot-nine, but shoots right and can run a power play.
Topi Niemelä
The 20-year-old, drafted in 2020, is one of the top defencemen in Finland. He recently signed an entry-level deal and will be at training camp. If he doesn’t make the Leafs, he’ll return to Finland.
Kristians Rubins
The 24-year-old worked his way up from the ECHL’s Newfoundland Growlers and got into three games with the Leafs. He’s six-foot-four, and the Leafs have shown patience with big-bodied defencemen (Justin Holl was another) who sometimes take longer to develop.
GOALTENDING
Joseph Woll
Woll’s NHL cameo (3-1-0 with a shutout) backs up what many scouts believe: Some goalies are simply better in the NHL than they show in the AHL, given the quality of players around them and chances they face. A late-season injury hurt his progress, but he got a new deal and should get as long a look as Erik Källgren will for the Leafs backup job.
The Leafs journey to the first Stanley cup since '67. Joining Maple Leaf fans Worldwide !
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