The Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas had made some interesting changes to the face of the Leafs during free agency. He added leadership, grit and defensive depth at very little cost. By signing Joe Thronton, Wayne Simmonds, T.J Brodie,Zach Bogosian and Jimmy Vessey while trading away Andreas Johnsson to New Jersey and Kapseri Kappanen to Pittsburgh the makeup of the team seemed very different. Rasmus Sandin had spent the offseason packing on some pounds while the team added the best defenseman in Europe in Mikko Lehtonen and of course Nicholas Robertson was ready to push for a spot on the team.In addition, backup goaltender Jack Campbell would start the season while goaltender Aaron Dell had been added for insurance purposes.
So, what could possibly go wrong? Injuries. Joe Thornton was no longer a spring chicken and in the past couple of seasons, injuries had affected Wayne Simmonds game and if Wayne went down, the Leafs didn't have a lot of push up front. A guy like Simmonds commanded respect and forced other players to think twice before running the Leafs star players and trying to injure and intimadate them. Players like Zach Hyman and Jimmy Vessey didn't do that and were slightly different types of players.
The Maple Leafs goaltending seemed set with Frederick Andersen heading into a contract year but the question was would Leaf GM Kyle Dubas let him walk away for nothing or would he trade him, getting an asset in return? The truth is Andersen was 0 and 8 in games that mattered and other teams had done well with young and cheaper goaltending. Rumours appeared that the Carolina Hurricanes might be interested in acquiring Andersen.
On defense it seemed the Maple Leafs had their best defense since the heady days of coach Pat Burns. Their defense boasted offense with the like of Reilly, Brodie, Muzzin, Lehtonen and Sandin. Size with Muzzin and Bogosian to keep other teams honest and of course depth with Holl and perhaps even Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljegren. The backend seemed set, at least on paper.
The question was, what did the Toronto Maple Leafs need to win a round or two of the Stanley cup playoffs? The answer ? The Leafs needed another power forward in case Simmonds went down to injuries again. The most likely forward to be replaced seemed to be Alex Kerfoot who was on a reasonable $3.5 Million per year contract. Depending on how Dubas saw the 2021 draft, a package of Kerfoot and a first rounder plus might get it done. If not, he might have to wait until the trade deadline to acquire such a player on the cheap.
The other thing the Maple Leafs needed to do was finish higher in the standings and gain home ice advantage where it would be harder for the refs to interfere in the outcome of the games, as all of Canada knew about. Having Campbell plus Keefe would help but the team needed to avoid those late season slumps as well.
This year's edition looked good on paper and had almost all the pieces required to make some noise in the Stanley cup playoffs, it was now upto Dubas to work some magic and find that last piece,another power forward who would put respect into opposing teams when the refs stood idly by and watched the Leafs stars attacked while calling everything the Leafs did as we have seen time after time after time here in Canada, thus the pathetic t.v numbers last year in the finals.
With the Toronto Maple Leafs having an extensive analytics team, all paid for by the hard working fans, perhaps Dubas could set up an anlytics team to analyze the nuances of referees and help spot undue influencing, after all it is the fans who get robbed. A legal team may even be set up given the Maple Leafs considerable weight in the league and thus avoid situations such as the Vancouver riots or Doug Gilmour's 2 minutes for having his face carved open by Wayne Gretzky penalty. This improvement may even bring fans back to the sport as most Canadian fans know of the inconsistencies, in fact Jarome Iginla once requested a trade to an American team knowing that he would never win a cup in Canada. The bottom line is if changes aren't made the league itself is likely in peril as more and more Canadian fans lose interest and t.v viewings continue to plumett.After all, isn't Dubas about innovation and new thinking?
The Maple Leafs should be able to win a round or two with this edition, gaining invaluable experience for their now, not so young, stars. It would also help the game and it's t.v presence/ ratings. Are they ready to take out the Tampa Bay Lightning? Probably not but they may be ready to slay the Boston dragon and even that would be considered a success at this point.
The Leafs journey to the first Stanley cup since '67. Joining Maple Leaf fans Worldwide !
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Toronto Maple Leafs - Top 25 NHL prospects 2020/2021.
With the new season somewhat in doubt due to the flu/ covid restricting travel and rumours of an all Canadian league brewing, it is time once again to look at the Toronto Maple Leafs prospect pool. The Toronto Maple Leafs had 12 picks in this year's 2020 NHL draft. Leafs GM Kyle Dubas has been drafting quite well and once again the pool had some very promising picks with Toronto trading for Pittsburgh's 15th overall pick(Kappanen trade) after releasing their 13th overall to Carolina for taking Patrick Marleau and his contract off their hands. Currently the Leafs prospect pool is ranked at 20th in the NHL.
1) Rasmus Sandin is listed at 5ft 11 inches and 183 lbs. He is a left shooting defenseman who was taken 29th overall in the 2018 draft. Many are hoping he can pack on some pounds but even if he doesn't the kid is a blue chip lock to play in the NHL and already has played for the Leafs, showing very well. He projects as a number 2, power play defenseman who hits well and could push Morgan Reilly for the number one job someday. He has no detectable flaws to his game and is smart and poised looking years older than he is on the ice. He is NHL ready now but will the Leafs want him playing number 7 minutes? If injuries hit, expect him in the lineup sooner than later.
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2) Nicholas Robertson is a 5 ft 9 inch 164 lb left winger who was taken 53rd overall in the 2019 draft. If he was a few days younger he might have gone 10th to 15th overall in the 2020 draft. He played in last year's elimination round and was one of the few Leafs who actually scored. This kid has drive, hustle, desire and skill mixed with courage. I can see a future top 6, 30 goal scorer with game breaking abilities. A steal in the 2nd round.
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3) Rodion Amirov is a left shooting 6ft, now at least 177 lb, left winger who currently plays against men in the KHL. Rodion is poised, can score and is defensively responsible while being an effective skater.Rodion will very likely play the next 2 years over in Russia rounding out his game before coming over to North America. While he easily projects as top 9 forward, he could very well be a top 6 one day. Amirov was taken 15th over all in the 2020 draft and while not a steal, he is a very solid pick with upside.
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4) Timothy Liljegren is a 6ft,190 lb right handed defenseman who was taken 17th overall in the 2017 draft. While Timothy has great skating capability and was thought to be a steal by the Leafs scouting team at the time, he has slipped in the rankings. He played for the Leafs and Marlies last year and didn't look very comfortable in the NHL making some question his decision making abilities. While he will likely one day play in the NHL, it no longer looks like he will be a top 4 defenseman unless something drastic occurs in his growth as a player. He has the skills but is the toolbox there?
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5) Mikhail Abramov is a 6ft 185 lb, left shot center taken 115th overall in the 2019 draft. He was named captain of Victoriaville(QMJHL) in his third year where he became a premier scorer despite the lack of support from teammates. While he was passed over for the world juniors he was very consistent in the QMJHL growing stronger as the season went on. He projects as a crafty, playmaking 3rd liner. He can play both wing and center but needs to work on his shot. He reminds some of Timashov a former Leaf 5th rounder. Is he a steal? Some think so but he will need more time to round out his game before he sees any NHL playing time.
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6) Yegor Korshkov is one of Hunter's more questionable picks which left many scratching their heads or worse when he took him as the first pick in the 2nd round, 31st overall in the 2016 draft as an overager. He is 6ft 4 inches and 214 lbs and is a left shooting left winger. Yegor projects as a top 9 winger with defensive awareness and scoring ability who may pop in 20 goals someday at the NHL level. He may be NHL ready now but needs injuries to help him into the lineup.
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7) Filip Hallander came over in the Kappanen trade with Pittsburgh. He is 6ft 1 inches and weighs in at 190 lbs. Hallander is a left shooting winger who projects as a top 9 forward. He is considered to be a capable skater and two way forward, something the Leafs could use. He is hard working and forechecks and backchecks well. He is a good team player who plays well in all 3 zones. He both shoots and passes well.
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8) Nick Abruzzese is a smallish, 5ft 9 inch and 161 lb Center who was taken 124th overall(4th round) in the 2019 NHL draft. He is considered to be an excellent player who uses his mind while making everything look easy whether its scoring,passing or being open for a scoring chance. He projects to be slightly better than Alex Kerfoot finishing his sophmore year at Harvard Crimosn with 14 goals and 30 assits for 44 points in 31 games.
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9) Roni Hirvonen is a Finnish player taken 59th overall in the 2020 draft. He is a 5 ft 9 inch 170 lb Center who was taken for his hockey IQ. He consistently makes smart decisions in all 3 zones and is very reliable while having a great desire to win. He is a good playmaker who rarely takes low percentage shots and makes his office in front of the net, despite his size. He isn't a great skater but has very good stickhandling which allows him to go through high traffic areas. He has a willingness and desire to get involved in the game and rarely takes a shift off.
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10) Joey Anderson came over from the New Jersey Devils in the Andreas Johnsson trade. He is a 5ft 11 inch, 190 lb right winger who will play at some point in the NHL. He may even prove a good replacement for Leafs winger Zach Hyman. He displays a lot of energy and wins his fair share of corner battles in pursuit of the puck. He has an excellent shot and should compliment more talented forwards well. Will need to prove himself to become a top 6 forward and might do well to bulk up a tad to do so.
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11) Topi Niemela is a 6ft 163 lb right handed defensmean who was taken 63rd overall(3rd round) in the 2020 draft.As per the hockeywriters: "Niemala is a well-balanced, mobile defenseman with a terrific hockey IQ and smooth, precise edgework. He stickhandles well and has some good offensive tools, but they’re not elite. What he does well is process plays and make good decisions at high speed. He excels at identifying open areas and using his quick feet to maneuver into those spaces, making him difficult to both attack and defend. On the defensive side of the puck, the right-handed Finn is positionally sound and good at anticipating the attack. At 6-feet, 163 pounds, he’s not the biggest guy on the ice, but Niemelä doesn’t shy away from physical battles, and has done so against older opponents all throughout his career." A safe pick. *Update: The way Niemala is playing at the 2021 world juniors he is likely worthy of a higher ranking as he currently leads defenseman in scoring with 7 points(2 goals and 5 assists.) in 4 games as of Jan 3rd 2021.
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12) Semyon Der-Arguchintsev, SDA for short is a 5ft 11 inch , 170 lb Russian center. He was taken in the 3rd round(76th overall) in the 2018 draft. He is a make or break player, much like Jeremy Bracco, who has upside. He is a playmaker who doesn't have much of a shot. He also lacks any kind of physical game but his vision and playmaking skills make him an interesting prospect who has slipped somewhat since being drafted. Does he have an NHL future? Stay tuned but he likely will play for the AHL Toronto Marlies at some point.
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13) Mikko Kokkonen is a 5ft 11 inch, 198 lb dfenseman from Finland. He was taken 84th overall(3rd round) in the 2019 draft. Has an effective wrist shot from the point with a quick release. He distributes the puck well and is well served in the transition game, McKeen's Hockey 2019 He keeps his shifts short and doesn’t make many glaring mistakes in the defensive zone, Future Considerations 2019
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14) Joseph Woll is a 22 year old American goalie who is 6ft 4 inch 203 lbs and has been playing with the AHL Toronto Marlies. His numbers havent been great with 3.75 Goals against average and a .880 save percentage. He went 11-16-4 for the season in the AHL and needs to improve this season. While goalies do take longer to develop, at this point , he projects as a backup goalie.
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15)Ian Scott is a 6ft 3 inch, 183 lb left handed goalie born in Calgary and taken 100th overall(4th round) in the 2017 draft. He was injured last year so he deserves a break. Everything so far shows potential but let us see this year as he will be playing most likely for the AHL Toronto Marlies. At 21, he is still young and has lots of time to develop.
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16)Veeti Miettinen was drafted 168th overall in the 2020 draft by The Toronto Maple Leafs. He is a 5ft 9 inch 159 lb Finnnish Right Winger. Miettinen played with Kiekko-Espoo U20 “A” in the Jr. A SM-Liiga last season and is committed to St. Cloud State University of the NCAA for this season. "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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17) William Villeneuve is a 6ft 1 inch 181 lb right shot defenseman who the Leafs took 122nd overall(4th round) in the 2020 draft. There isn't much of a scouting report on him but he led all defenders in scoring(points) in the QMJHL.
William Villeneuve 64 games 9 goals 49 assists 58 points.
Who doesn't like a 6ft 1 inch Canadian defenseman with offense?
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18) Dmitri Ovchinnikov is a 5 ft 11 inch, 163 lb Russian forward who the Leafs took 137th overall in the 5th round 2020. Having seen him play I think this guy is a great pick and a quick riser, he currently leads the MHL in scoring and has played some KHL games.
"He 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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19) Mac Hollowell is a right handed 5ft 10 inch, 170 lb defenseman. He is willing to physically engage larger players in the defensive zone. He relies on the gap to maintain the middle of the ice. He uses positioning to contain any threats and has a great toolset for puck pursuit and has quick feet. When his team has the puck Hollowell excells at quaterbacking and breaking the puck out.He is elusive in the neutral zone and can shake pressure with a fake pass and has a proficiency for finding open lanes. Hollowell has a desirable combination of skating and hockey sense, and has the potential to be a new breed of offensive defenceman the Leafs have never had before.
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20) Filip Kral is a 6ft 1 inch 172 lb left shooting defensman from the Czech republic. He was taken 149th in the 5th round 2018 NHL draft. He is known for his smarts, skating and passing and has been desribed as a "workhorse" drawing comparisons to Rasmus Sandin. "Kral is patient and works really hard, so there shouldn’t be an issue with his commitment."
2018-2019 Spokane Chiefs WHL 47 10 26 36 14 | Playoffs 12 0 2 2 4 Czech Republic U20 WJC-20 5 1 0 1 2 | Czech Republic U20 (all) International-Jr 6 1 1 2 2 | 2019-2020 Spokane Chiefs WHL 53 12 37 49 8 |
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21) Adam Brooks is a smallish center coming in at 5ft 10 inches and 185 lbs, who was taken in the 4th round(92 nd overall) in 2016. He may be a 4th line center in the NHL one day but will it be with the Leafs? 2019-20 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 7 0 3 3 0 1 | - Toronto Marlies AHL 29 9 11 20 19 -7
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22 ) Pontus Holmberg is a 21 year old,5ft 10 inch 179 lb Swedish left winger whom the Leafs took 156th overall in the 6th round in the 2018 NHL draft.He is described as smart, a gifted playmaker with good vision but a long odder to make the NHL.
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23) Arthur Ahktyamov is a 6’1, 168 lbs Russian goalie the Leafs took 106th overall in the 4th round.His combination of size and speed makes him a promising prospect but very hard at this point to project. He had a .931 save percentage in the MHL on a very good defensive team.
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24) Eemeli Rasanen is a giant defenseman who shoots righthanded and was born Mar 6, 1999 in Joensuu, Finland, 21 yrs. ago. His height is 6ft 6 inches and he weighs in at 220 lbs. He was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in round 2, #59 overall 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Before people jump off rooftops, he is a project and even Chara didn't become Chara until he was 26. Granted, he is trending in the wrong direction but the raw potential for a 6th or 7th defenseman is still there and let's face it, the Leafs don't have a lot of size on the backend.
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25) Michael Koster is a 5ft 9 inch 171 lb defenseman who is known for his stellar puck moving ability. The Leafs took him in the 5th round (146th overall) in the 2019 NHL draft.He has drawn comparisons to the Leafs defenseman Travis Dermott. 2019-2020 Tri-City Storm 37 3 15 18 -8 8
Propsects by position : Defense - 9
Wingers - 8
Centers - 5
Goaltenders -3
Organization grades: The Toronto Maple Leafs prospect pool is currently ranked 20th overall in the NHL, meaning there is still work to do. They are strong on defense and still have good depth on the wings but have a group of small potential 3rd line/4th line centers. In goal, outside perhaps Ian Scott, who was injured last year, they have question marks and no obvious number one goaltender of the future. Many consider Center and Goal the two most important positions in the NHL and one day captain John Tavares will need replacing, not to mention Auston Mathews only has 4 years left under contract. As such, the Leafs pool gets a C+ but once Rasmus Sandin and Nick Robertson graduate that grade may fall fast. They need to continue acquiring picks and hope for a few prospects to come out of left field.They may even need to pick up some first rounders if Leaf GM Kyle Dubas considers it a strong draft in which do so.
* Hidden gem/potential steal: Dmitri Ovchinnikov. This is a guy to watch.
"Really good speed. Good offensive instincts. He is someone who we just valued his offensive abilities."
1) Rasmus Sandin is listed at 5ft 11 inches and 183 lbs. He is a left shooting defenseman who was taken 29th overall in the 2018 draft. Many are hoping he can pack on some pounds but even if he doesn't the kid is a blue chip lock to play in the NHL and already has played for the Leafs, showing very well. He projects as a number 2, power play defenseman who hits well and could push Morgan Reilly for the number one job someday. He has no detectable flaws to his game and is smart and poised looking years older than he is on the ice. He is NHL ready now but will the Leafs want him playing number 7 minutes? If injuries hit, expect him in the lineup sooner than later.
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2) Nicholas Robertson is a 5 ft 9 inch 164 lb left winger who was taken 53rd overall in the 2019 draft. If he was a few days younger he might have gone 10th to 15th overall in the 2020 draft. He played in last year's elimination round and was one of the few Leafs who actually scored. This kid has drive, hustle, desire and skill mixed with courage. I can see a future top 6, 30 goal scorer with game breaking abilities. A steal in the 2nd round.
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3) Rodion Amirov is a left shooting 6ft, now at least 177 lb, left winger who currently plays against men in the KHL. Rodion is poised, can score and is defensively responsible while being an effective skater.Rodion will very likely play the next 2 years over in Russia rounding out his game before coming over to North America. While he easily projects as top 9 forward, he could very well be a top 6 one day. Amirov was taken 15th over all in the 2020 draft and while not a steal, he is a very solid pick with upside.
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4) Timothy Liljegren is a 6ft,190 lb right handed defenseman who was taken 17th overall in the 2017 draft. While Timothy has great skating capability and was thought to be a steal by the Leafs scouting team at the time, he has slipped in the rankings. He played for the Leafs and Marlies last year and didn't look very comfortable in the NHL making some question his decision making abilities. While he will likely one day play in the NHL, it no longer looks like he will be a top 4 defenseman unless something drastic occurs in his growth as a player. He has the skills but is the toolbox there?
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5) Mikhail Abramov is a 6ft 185 lb, left shot center taken 115th overall in the 2019 draft. He was named captain of Victoriaville(QMJHL) in his third year where he became a premier scorer despite the lack of support from teammates. While he was passed over for the world juniors he was very consistent in the QMJHL growing stronger as the season went on. He projects as a crafty, playmaking 3rd liner. He can play both wing and center but needs to work on his shot. He reminds some of Timashov a former Leaf 5th rounder. Is he a steal? Some think so but he will need more time to round out his game before he sees any NHL playing time.
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6) Yegor Korshkov is one of Hunter's more questionable picks which left many scratching their heads or worse when he took him as the first pick in the 2nd round, 31st overall in the 2016 draft as an overager. He is 6ft 4 inches and 214 lbs and is a left shooting left winger. Yegor projects as a top 9 winger with defensive awareness and scoring ability who may pop in 20 goals someday at the NHL level. He may be NHL ready now but needs injuries to help him into the lineup.
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7) Filip Hallander came over in the Kappanen trade with Pittsburgh. He is 6ft 1 inches and weighs in at 190 lbs. Hallander is a left shooting winger who projects as a top 9 forward. He is considered to be a capable skater and two way forward, something the Leafs could use. He is hard working and forechecks and backchecks well. He is a good team player who plays well in all 3 zones. He both shoots and passes well.
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8) Nick Abruzzese is a smallish, 5ft 9 inch and 161 lb Center who was taken 124th overall(4th round) in the 2019 NHL draft. He is considered to be an excellent player who uses his mind while making everything look easy whether its scoring,passing or being open for a scoring chance. He projects to be slightly better than Alex Kerfoot finishing his sophmore year at Harvard Crimosn with 14 goals and 30 assits for 44 points in 31 games.
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9) Roni Hirvonen is a Finnish player taken 59th overall in the 2020 draft. He is a 5 ft 9 inch 170 lb Center who was taken for his hockey IQ. He consistently makes smart decisions in all 3 zones and is very reliable while having a great desire to win. He is a good playmaker who rarely takes low percentage shots and makes his office in front of the net, despite his size. He isn't a great skater but has very good stickhandling which allows him to go through high traffic areas. He has a willingness and desire to get involved in the game and rarely takes a shift off.
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10) Joey Anderson came over from the New Jersey Devils in the Andreas Johnsson trade. He is a 5ft 11 inch, 190 lb right winger who will play at some point in the NHL. He may even prove a good replacement for Leafs winger Zach Hyman. He displays a lot of energy and wins his fair share of corner battles in pursuit of the puck. He has an excellent shot and should compliment more talented forwards well. Will need to prove himself to become a top 6 forward and might do well to bulk up a tad to do so.
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11) Topi Niemela is a 6ft 163 lb right handed defensmean who was taken 63rd overall(3rd round) in the 2020 draft.As per the hockeywriters: "Niemala is a well-balanced, mobile defenseman with a terrific hockey IQ and smooth, precise edgework. He stickhandles well and has some good offensive tools, but they’re not elite. What he does well is process plays and make good decisions at high speed. He excels at identifying open areas and using his quick feet to maneuver into those spaces, making him difficult to both attack and defend. On the defensive side of the puck, the right-handed Finn is positionally sound and good at anticipating the attack. At 6-feet, 163 pounds, he’s not the biggest guy on the ice, but Niemelä doesn’t shy away from physical battles, and has done so against older opponents all throughout his career." A safe pick. *Update: The way Niemala is playing at the 2021 world juniors he is likely worthy of a higher ranking as he currently leads defenseman in scoring with 7 points(2 goals and 5 assists.) in 4 games as of Jan 3rd 2021.
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12) Semyon Der-Arguchintsev, SDA for short is a 5ft 11 inch , 170 lb Russian center. He was taken in the 3rd round(76th overall) in the 2018 draft. He is a make or break player, much like Jeremy Bracco, who has upside. He is a playmaker who doesn't have much of a shot. He also lacks any kind of physical game but his vision and playmaking skills make him an interesting prospect who has slipped somewhat since being drafted. Does he have an NHL future? Stay tuned but he likely will play for the AHL Toronto Marlies at some point.
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13) Mikko Kokkonen is a 5ft 11 inch, 198 lb dfenseman from Finland. He was taken 84th overall(3rd round) in the 2019 draft. Has an effective wrist shot from the point with a quick release. He distributes the puck well and is well served in the transition game, McKeen's Hockey 2019 He keeps his shifts short and doesn’t make many glaring mistakes in the defensive zone, Future Considerations 2019
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14) Joseph Woll is a 22 year old American goalie who is 6ft 4 inch 203 lbs and has been playing with the AHL Toronto Marlies. His numbers havent been great with 3.75 Goals against average and a .880 save percentage. He went 11-16-4 for the season in the AHL and needs to improve this season. While goalies do take longer to develop, at this point , he projects as a backup goalie.
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15)Ian Scott is a 6ft 3 inch, 183 lb left handed goalie born in Calgary and taken 100th overall(4th round) in the 2017 draft. He was injured last year so he deserves a break. Everything so far shows potential but let us see this year as he will be playing most likely for the AHL Toronto Marlies. At 21, he is still young and has lots of time to develop.
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16)Veeti Miettinen was drafted 168th overall in the 2020 draft by The Toronto Maple Leafs. He is a 5ft 9 inch 159 lb Finnnish Right Winger. Miettinen played with Kiekko-Espoo U20 “A” in the Jr. A SM-Liiga last season and is committed to St. Cloud State University of the NCAA for this season. "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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17) William Villeneuve is a 6ft 1 inch 181 lb right shot defenseman who the Leafs took 122nd overall(4th round) in the 2020 draft. There isn't much of a scouting report on him but he led all defenders in scoring(points) in the QMJHL.
William Villeneuve 64 games 9 goals 49 assists 58 points.
Who doesn't like a 6ft 1 inch Canadian defenseman with offense?
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18) Dmitri Ovchinnikov is a 5 ft 11 inch, 163 lb Russian forward who the Leafs took 137th overall in the 5th round 2020. Having seen him play I think this guy is a great pick and a quick riser, he currently leads the MHL in scoring and has played some KHL games.
"He 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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19) Mac Hollowell is a right handed 5ft 10 inch, 170 lb defenseman. He is willing to physically engage larger players in the defensive zone. He relies on the gap to maintain the middle of the ice. He uses positioning to contain any threats and has a great toolset for puck pursuit and has quick feet. When his team has the puck Hollowell excells at quaterbacking and breaking the puck out.He is elusive in the neutral zone and can shake pressure with a fake pass and has a proficiency for finding open lanes. Hollowell has a desirable combination of skating and hockey sense, and has the potential to be a new breed of offensive defenceman the Leafs have never had before.
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20) Filip Kral is a 6ft 1 inch 172 lb left shooting defensman from the Czech republic. He was taken 149th in the 5th round 2018 NHL draft. He is known for his smarts, skating and passing and has been desribed as a "workhorse" drawing comparisons to Rasmus Sandin. "Kral is patient and works really hard, so there shouldn’t be an issue with his commitment."
2018-2019 Spokane Chiefs WHL 47 10 26 36 14 | Playoffs 12 0 2 2 4 Czech Republic U20 WJC-20 5 1 0 1 2 | Czech Republic U20 (all) International-Jr 6 1 1 2 2 | 2019-2020 Spokane Chiefs WHL 53 12 37 49 8 |
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21) Adam Brooks is a smallish center coming in at 5ft 10 inches and 185 lbs, who was taken in the 4th round(92 nd overall) in 2016. He may be a 4th line center in the NHL one day but will it be with the Leafs? 2019-20 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 7 0 3 3 0 1 | - Toronto Marlies AHL 29 9 11 20 19 -7
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22 ) Pontus Holmberg is a 21 year old,5ft 10 inch 179 lb Swedish left winger whom the Leafs took 156th overall in the 6th round in the 2018 NHL draft.He is described as smart, a gifted playmaker with good vision but a long odder to make the NHL.
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23) Arthur Ahktyamov is a 6’1, 168 lbs Russian goalie the Leafs took 106th overall in the 4th round.His combination of size and speed makes him a promising prospect but very hard at this point to project. He had a .931 save percentage in the MHL on a very good defensive team.
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24) Eemeli Rasanen is a giant defenseman who shoots righthanded and was born Mar 6, 1999 in Joensuu, Finland, 21 yrs. ago. His height is 6ft 6 inches and he weighs in at 220 lbs. He was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in round 2, #59 overall 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Before people jump off rooftops, he is a project and even Chara didn't become Chara until he was 26. Granted, he is trending in the wrong direction but the raw potential for a 6th or 7th defenseman is still there and let's face it, the Leafs don't have a lot of size on the backend.
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25) Michael Koster is a 5ft 9 inch 171 lb defenseman who is known for his stellar puck moving ability. The Leafs took him in the 5th round (146th overall) in the 2019 NHL draft.He has drawn comparisons to the Leafs defenseman Travis Dermott. 2019-2020 Tri-City Storm 37 3 15 18 -8 8
Propsects by position : Defense - 9
Wingers - 8
Centers - 5
Goaltenders -3
Organization grades: The Toronto Maple Leafs prospect pool is currently ranked 20th overall in the NHL, meaning there is still work to do. They are strong on defense and still have good depth on the wings but have a group of small potential 3rd line/4th line centers. In goal, outside perhaps Ian Scott, who was injured last year, they have question marks and no obvious number one goaltender of the future. Many consider Center and Goal the two most important positions in the NHL and one day captain John Tavares will need replacing, not to mention Auston Mathews only has 4 years left under contract. As such, the Leafs pool gets a C+ but once Rasmus Sandin and Nick Robertson graduate that grade may fall fast. They need to continue acquiring picks and hope for a few prospects to come out of left field.They may even need to pick up some first rounders if Leaf GM Kyle Dubas considers it a strong draft in which do so.
* Hidden gem/potential steal: Dmitri Ovchinnikov. This is a guy to watch.
"Really good speed. Good offensive instincts. He is someone who we just valued his offensive abilities."
Time to play Leaf GM - Kyle Dubas files 2020 + trade rumours
Well, once again the tide turns and the Leafs find themselves in a 3 game losing slide, ending with an asset whoopin, 8 to 4 loss against Florida. Too many nights the Leafs left their goalie out to dry and with no backup, they over relied on Frederick Andersen. Anyone could see it coming, another first round loss. The team wasn't properly built to deliver playoff success in it's current form. So, what changes needed to be made?
For one thing the Leafs were loaded on the wings with 3 defensemen ready to hit unrestricted free agency.Cody Ceci,Jake Muzzin and Tyson Barrie were all UFA's with prospects Timothy Liljegren and Rasmas Sandin ready in the wings.So far, letting our UFA's play it out and leave for free i.e JVR, Gardiner hadn't paid off. And the Leafs had once again given away two first rounders, that could come back on them down the road.Dubas had gambled that a coaching change was all that was needed but the honeymoon was ending. This was on the G.M to fix.
So, what did the genius GM have to offer? Andreas Johnsson was coming off injury reserve as Morgan Reilly went in. He had Ceci and Barrie but not much else. Jeremy Bracco, Timashov and Ben Harpur were not very likely to get other GM's salivating and let's face it , the prospect pool had been stripped dry. 2nd rounder Robertson and Korshkov had some upside but were a ways away.
Where did this leave Maple Leaf GM Kyle Dubas? No where good. His most likely trading partner was Edmonton who had Darnell Nurse and Anaheim with Josh Manson.The problem? The piece that would get the most attention, Tyson Barrie would peak, in value, at trade deadline.The Leafs needed help now, especially in goal, as in backup.
To be quite frank, there is nothing in Dubas' arsenal that would make other teams take the leap. Dubas was stuck waiting for another team to call, which very well could happen. The problem is the pressure to do that won't come until another team acknowledges their need.That team was the Edmonton Oilers who with Johnsson and Barrie could very well make a push for the playoffs. The problem is it will take more than those two to make Edmonton move Darnell Nurse and Anaheim won't even need Barrie, being out of the playoffs already.
Dubas was in waiting, hands tied. He had fired the coach and every team gets a burst when you do that.Now as we enter the second half of the NHL season, the team that Dubas built gets tested and despite what people think, if he losses in the first round, again..well. It won't be pretty.This team isn't built for playoff success but it is sure paid like it. Dubas looks like a guy shuffling pieces to make his cap work. The problem is he hasn't built a team that can't win it all, nor does he have the pieces to make it happen.
Let's hope Dubas really is a genius, he will need to be to avoid another first round loss and any fan can see it coming.
Suggested trade:1) Johnsson,Barrie,Ceci and Bracco for Darnell Nurse plus a first rounder.
2)Another suggestion was Johnsson and Barrie for one of Bufalo's Montour or Ristolenien.
No guts , no glory. Dubas gets cap relief while admitting that Tyson Barrie wasn't the right kind of RHD for our defense.If anything Barrie has underperformed and is hurting his own UFA leverage. One has to wonder, will he ask for a trade soon? The Leafs are not a Tyson Barrie away from a Stanley cup and our defense still needs some real help.The reality is Barrie is more valuable to another team that is perhaps that one p.p specialist away.
Proposal one:Oilers make the playoffs, the Leafs get a potential top 3 defenseman with grit and they get much needed cap relief.
Proposal two : Leafs keep Liljegren a RHD and become tougher to play against defensively while giving up some offense.
The Leafs are in an interesting cap situation if they decide Morgan Reilly is out until the playoffs. There is no cap for the playoffs, and while Muzzin will be back soon they can use Reilly's cap and trade for another defenseman.Dubas would be wise to also address backup goaltending as Andersen needs to be 100 percent for the Leafs to go beyond the first round.
Update Jan 23rd 2020. With defenseman Morgan Reilly out with injury and the Leafs playing very , very poorly now a trade is highly likely. There will be a great deal of pressure on Dubas, as any amateur could take a team this good, miss the playoffs and lose a first rounder in the process.If the playoffs are missed this will represent abject failure and there will be calls for a new GM to fix the mess Dubas has made.
The team is misbuilt based on a some fictional, unproven "Moneyball the movie" analysis from a person who never played hockey. The entire build is based on smallish, offensive players , no defense and major holes due to lack of cap space.Anyone with a modicum of hockey knowledge could do this or see that it is a failed experiment at the fan's expense.If the playoffs were missed the pressure to fire Dubas and get a real GM would be immense and too powerful to ignore.It is impossible to ignore the 8 to 4 and 6 to 2 losses,the way the Leafs have been losing and the fact that all the Leafs were doing was relying on goalie Frederick Andersen too much and outscoring other teams.You can't do that in the last half of the season or in the playoffs, when the games becomes more intense and physical and you have a small weak team that can't play defense.If Andersen gets injured this team is toast.
Update Jan 23rd 2020: Rumours are building as the New York Rangers try to pump the tires on goalie Alexander Georgiev who is 23 and himself an RFA soon. They want Kapanen plus so you can ignore this media concoted attempt to fleece the Leafs. The Leafs need a backup but not at that media over inflated price. The most they pay is a pick and a prospect.Backups are a dime a dozen especially at TD and the Leafs have a far more pressing need for a defenseman.Rangers are calling, Dubas is " No thanks." This one doesn't work for the Leafs, one they can't resign him and two Leafs aren't looking to move Kapanen, you have the wrong guy. With the Sheldon Keefe(new coach) wearing off expect more of these vain attempts to trick the Leafs into a trade that doesn't work for them, solve there problems but get them to overpay. This rumour comes from the same guys who said Kapanen was only worth a 2nd rounder...ROFL. Odds of this one , one 1 out of 10. Another media fantasy.
A more likely trading partner would be the Oilers who are looking at Johnsson, Kerfoot or Kapanen. But the Leafs will want Larsson or Nurse. Odds 4 out of 10 right now, the Leafs don't actually have the depth at Center to trade Kerfoot.They will offer Johnsson plus.
Another rumour making some sense is Anaheim's Josh Manson. He is 28, tough as nails and has some term left.Johnson and Bracco would be the two offensive,cheap forwards most likely to help a rebuilding Duck team but they will want a young dman such as Lilgren to take on Ceci to make it work . The deal would leave Dubas some cap to get a backup Goalie. Lilkelyhood 5.5 out of ten.Dubas won't want to give up Liljegren but he can't afford another first either.Tricky but plausible.
Jan 31st 2020: Rumours are out there the Leafs may be kicking the tires on Minnesota Wild's defenseman Dumba. Plausible but most likely too costly. 4 out of 10.
Feb 6th 2020:Leaf GM Kyle Dubas finally made his move, picking up the 29 year old LW Kyle Clifford and goaltender Jack Campbell from the Los Angeles Kings for Trevor Moore, a 3rd rounder and a conditional 3rd rounder(2021). Clifford is a 6ft 2 inch, 206 lb banger who can play and will be noticed if the Leafs make the playoffs. Campbell is a 28 year old, more than capable backup who was drafted in the first round by Dallas in 2010. Time will tell if Dubas makes anymore moves as the cap may hinder any need for a veteran defenseman.
Word is Dubas is price sensitive. Since our likely first round opponent is Boston, Wash. ,TB, or Pitts. Only a reasonably priced Dman such as Anaheim's Josh Manson seems likely. You can't outskill those teams and it could be another game 7 battle royale !
The likely ask on Manson will be Johnsson and Liljegren. Odds Dubas pays that ? Very low. With Johnson now out for 6 months, Dermott, Bracco plus maybe.
Very plausible rumours have several teams interested in Tyson Barrie. The problem they will be offering late first rounders.Dubas will be looking to flip Barrie into a good RHD defenseman with term or close to NHL ready prospects.There is pressure on Dubas here, the prospect pool is barren now, the draft picks are thin.Best guess. Three way trade, Dubas trades Tyson Barrie, then lands Josh Manson.The best shot Toronto has is to wear their playoff opponent down over 7 games and let their stars be stars.Even if Toronto makes the playoffs, the path this year in the East is brutal.
Update Feb 26th. Poor Kyle Dubas. The Leafs are getting hit by the worst rash of injuries I can ever recall. "Depth" has really come to the forefront this year. With Muzzin now out for 4 weeks with a broken hand, newly re acquired Calle Rosen get his chance and Dubas prays this line up makes the playoffs after a great 4 - 3 victory over Tampa Bay.
For one thing the Leafs were loaded on the wings with 3 defensemen ready to hit unrestricted free agency.Cody Ceci,Jake Muzzin and Tyson Barrie were all UFA's with prospects Timothy Liljegren and Rasmas Sandin ready in the wings.So far, letting our UFA's play it out and leave for free i.e JVR, Gardiner hadn't paid off. And the Leafs had once again given away two first rounders, that could come back on them down the road.Dubas had gambled that a coaching change was all that was needed but the honeymoon was ending. This was on the G.M to fix.
So, what did the genius GM have to offer? Andreas Johnsson was coming off injury reserve as Morgan Reilly went in. He had Ceci and Barrie but not much else. Jeremy Bracco, Timashov and Ben Harpur were not very likely to get other GM's salivating and let's face it , the prospect pool had been stripped dry. 2nd rounder Robertson and Korshkov had some upside but were a ways away.
Where did this leave Maple Leaf GM Kyle Dubas? No where good. His most likely trading partner was Edmonton who had Darnell Nurse and Anaheim with Josh Manson.The problem? The piece that would get the most attention, Tyson Barrie would peak, in value, at trade deadline.The Leafs needed help now, especially in goal, as in backup.
To be quite frank, there is nothing in Dubas' arsenal that would make other teams take the leap. Dubas was stuck waiting for another team to call, which very well could happen. The problem is the pressure to do that won't come until another team acknowledges their need.That team was the Edmonton Oilers who with Johnsson and Barrie could very well make a push for the playoffs. The problem is it will take more than those two to make Edmonton move Darnell Nurse and Anaheim won't even need Barrie, being out of the playoffs already.
Dubas was in waiting, hands tied. He had fired the coach and every team gets a burst when you do that.Now as we enter the second half of the NHL season, the team that Dubas built gets tested and despite what people think, if he losses in the first round, again..well. It won't be pretty.This team isn't built for playoff success but it is sure paid like it. Dubas looks like a guy shuffling pieces to make his cap work. The problem is he hasn't built a team that can't win it all, nor does he have the pieces to make it happen.
Let's hope Dubas really is a genius, he will need to be to avoid another first round loss and any fan can see it coming.
Suggested trade:1) Johnsson,Barrie,Ceci and Bracco for Darnell Nurse plus a first rounder.
2)Another suggestion was Johnsson and Barrie for one of Bufalo's Montour or Ristolenien.
No guts , no glory. Dubas gets cap relief while admitting that Tyson Barrie wasn't the right kind of RHD for our defense.If anything Barrie has underperformed and is hurting his own UFA leverage. One has to wonder, will he ask for a trade soon? The Leafs are not a Tyson Barrie away from a Stanley cup and our defense still needs some real help.The reality is Barrie is more valuable to another team that is perhaps that one p.p specialist away.
Proposal one:Oilers make the playoffs, the Leafs get a potential top 3 defenseman with grit and they get much needed cap relief.
Proposal two : Leafs keep Liljegren a RHD and become tougher to play against defensively while giving up some offense.
The Leafs are in an interesting cap situation if they decide Morgan Reilly is out until the playoffs. There is no cap for the playoffs, and while Muzzin will be back soon they can use Reilly's cap and trade for another defenseman.Dubas would be wise to also address backup goaltending as Andersen needs to be 100 percent for the Leafs to go beyond the first round.
Update Jan 23rd 2020. With defenseman Morgan Reilly out with injury and the Leafs playing very , very poorly now a trade is highly likely. There will be a great deal of pressure on Dubas, as any amateur could take a team this good, miss the playoffs and lose a first rounder in the process.If the playoffs are missed this will represent abject failure and there will be calls for a new GM to fix the mess Dubas has made.
The team is misbuilt based on a some fictional, unproven "Moneyball the movie" analysis from a person who never played hockey. The entire build is based on smallish, offensive players , no defense and major holes due to lack of cap space.Anyone with a modicum of hockey knowledge could do this or see that it is a failed experiment at the fan's expense.If the playoffs were missed the pressure to fire Dubas and get a real GM would be immense and too powerful to ignore.It is impossible to ignore the 8 to 4 and 6 to 2 losses,the way the Leafs have been losing and the fact that all the Leafs were doing was relying on goalie Frederick Andersen too much and outscoring other teams.You can't do that in the last half of the season or in the playoffs, when the games becomes more intense and physical and you have a small weak team that can't play defense.If Andersen gets injured this team is toast.
Update Jan 23rd 2020: Rumours are building as the New York Rangers try to pump the tires on goalie Alexander Georgiev who is 23 and himself an RFA soon. They want Kapanen plus so you can ignore this media concoted attempt to fleece the Leafs. The Leafs need a backup but not at that media over inflated price. The most they pay is a pick and a prospect.Backups are a dime a dozen especially at TD and the Leafs have a far more pressing need for a defenseman.Rangers are calling, Dubas is " No thanks." This one doesn't work for the Leafs, one they can't resign him and two Leafs aren't looking to move Kapanen, you have the wrong guy. With the Sheldon Keefe(new coach) wearing off expect more of these vain attempts to trick the Leafs into a trade that doesn't work for them, solve there problems but get them to overpay. This rumour comes from the same guys who said Kapanen was only worth a 2nd rounder...ROFL. Odds of this one , one 1 out of 10. Another media fantasy.
A more likely trading partner would be the Oilers who are looking at Johnsson, Kerfoot or Kapanen. But the Leafs will want Larsson or Nurse. Odds 4 out of 10 right now, the Leafs don't actually have the depth at Center to trade Kerfoot.They will offer Johnsson plus.
Another rumour making some sense is Anaheim's Josh Manson. He is 28, tough as nails and has some term left.Johnson and Bracco would be the two offensive,cheap forwards most likely to help a rebuilding Duck team but they will want a young dman such as Lilgren to take on Ceci to make it work . The deal would leave Dubas some cap to get a backup Goalie. Lilkelyhood 5.5 out of ten.Dubas won't want to give up Liljegren but he can't afford another first either.Tricky but plausible.
Jan 31st 2020: Rumours are out there the Leafs may be kicking the tires on Minnesota Wild's defenseman Dumba. Plausible but most likely too costly. 4 out of 10.
Feb 6th 2020:Leaf GM Kyle Dubas finally made his move, picking up the 29 year old LW Kyle Clifford and goaltender Jack Campbell from the Los Angeles Kings for Trevor Moore, a 3rd rounder and a conditional 3rd rounder(2021). Clifford is a 6ft 2 inch, 206 lb banger who can play and will be noticed if the Leafs make the playoffs. Campbell is a 28 year old, more than capable backup who was drafted in the first round by Dallas in 2010. Time will tell if Dubas makes anymore moves as the cap may hinder any need for a veteran defenseman.
Word is Dubas is price sensitive. Since our likely first round opponent is Boston, Wash. ,TB, or Pitts. Only a reasonably priced Dman such as Anaheim's Josh Manson seems likely. You can't outskill those teams and it could be another game 7 battle royale !
The likely ask on Manson will be Johnsson and Liljegren. Odds Dubas pays that ? Very low. With Johnson now out for 6 months, Dermott, Bracco plus maybe.
Very plausible rumours have several teams interested in Tyson Barrie. The problem they will be offering late first rounders.Dubas will be looking to flip Barrie into a good RHD defenseman with term or close to NHL ready prospects.There is pressure on Dubas here, the prospect pool is barren now, the draft picks are thin.Best guess. Three way trade, Dubas trades Tyson Barrie, then lands Josh Manson.The best shot Toronto has is to wear their playoff opponent down over 7 games and let their stars be stars.Even if Toronto makes the playoffs, the path this year in the East is brutal.
Update Feb 26th. Poor Kyle Dubas. The Leafs are getting hit by the worst rash of injuries I can ever recall. "Depth" has really come to the forefront this year. With Muzzin now out for 4 weeks with a broken hand, newly re acquired Calle Rosen get his chance and Dubas prays this line up makes the playoffs after a great 4 - 3 victory over Tampa Bay.
Toronto Maple Leafs mid term report card 2019/2020
Well, it is that time again, just after Christmas it is time to hand out grades to the players and management. It has been quite the season, where at one point after losing 6 games straight the Toronto Maple Leafs looked to be out of the playoffs with potentially no first round pick. When have we heard that one before? At one point things looked quite bleak and the season almost lost.
But then somehow Maple Leaf GM Kyle Dubas convinced his seniors such as president Brendan Shanahan the problem was not the on ice product but rather coach Mike Babcock and voila, the inexperienced Sheldon Keefe replaced Babcock as coach and Dubas looked the perverbial genius again.I'm still of the opinion Toronto has to make some changes to win a Stanley cup but I have been wrong before and would love to be again.I have delayed the report this year as coach Sheldon Keefe has a very small sample size and in my opinion had a very favourable NHL schedule to step into.So, here we go.
Former coach Mike Babcock gets a lump coal. His refusal to adapt or change cost him his job as the players tuned him out and clearly quit on him and his ancient style.After losing 6 in a row and having played .500 for about a year he was fired. There was no other possible course of action. Mike was good for the a young team for a couple of years but it just wasn't working out anymore. Grade : D. For the money being spent the performance just wasn't there.Boston even expressed surprised The leafs " Didn't adust" after last years first round playoff loss. In the end Babcock's reluctance to change was his downfall as his schtick ran thin with the players and fans alike.
New coach Sheldon Keefe has been a breathe of fresh air and his upbeat style has resonated with the players, so far. If I'm not mistaken he as to be the youngest coach to hit 10 wins so fast, ever, most certainly for the Toronto Maple Leafs organization. From what I can see Sheldon seems to be able to recognize the strengths and capabilities of his players and manages get it out from them.Sheldon even got the Leaf's backup Hutchinson his first win. Early to tell but Grade : A
Auston Mathews: Auston is scoring like a madman(29 goals in 44 games) which is exactly what he is paid to do. Some feel he lacks consistency, wish he would use his body more and could work a little on his two way game . But that isn't what he got $11 Million per year contract for and it could come in time. Grade A
Mitch Marner: Mitch has now moved up to play with with star Center Auston Mathews giving the Maple Leafs a dynamic duo. Mitch missed some games due to a nasty ankle injury but with 41 pts. in 33 games has played very well. Small sample size and has played a lot better under Sheldon Keefe : Grade A
William Nylander: Prone to floating, avoiding back checking, physical contact but has looked very good playing offensively with Captain John Tavares. Great offensive skills but usually leaves you wanting more defensively. Grade B.
John Tavares: He isn't having a career year by any means and may be starting to slow down a bit. He gets hit a lot due to the fact the Leafs have very little grit to protect their captain but he is still effective. Grade B.
Kaspari Kapanen: Not having a great year so far ,and seems to have lost some of his intensity from last year. A great skater but isn't scoring like he is capable of. Grade C. I think he has more to offer but so far a down year for him.
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/251920172893597246/
Morgan Reilly: Perhaps is playing injured or just misses Ron Hainsey but Morgan isn't having a career year so far and is prone to some defensive lapses making many question his number one status. Good offense but his defense is another matter this year. Morgan Reilly recently confirmed he is playing with a lower body injury. Grade C+.
IIya Mikheyev(soup) has quickly became a fan favourite. He has size, can skate, he hits and scores some nice goals. A great pick up having a very good rookie year before he got a serious slashed wrist injury putting him out for upto 3 months. Grade B.
Offensive defenseman, Tyson Barrie came over with Center Alex Kerfoot in the Nazem Kadri trade from Colorado and he is not having a great year. It is a little surprising as he is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year, usually players have career years at that time . For whatever reason he and the Leafs do not seem to be one with the universe. While many say the Maple Leafs improved powerplay is because of Barrie, I say it is because of Sheldon Keefe and Barrie will not improve the Leafs playoff chances. Dubas would be wise to get something for him by the trade deadline , especially if they can package a winger and get an upgrade on defense.It makes no sense to keep him when you have Timothy Liljegren and Rasmus Sandin. Grade C-
Alexander Kerfoot has been an effective 3rd line center who isn't afraid to get involved physically and will chip in offensively. Grade B-
Jason Spezza looked all but finished under Babcock but he found his second breathe playing 4th line under Keefe and to me has looked quite good for a veteran who patiently waited for his chance. Given he was signed for free and his age and acceptance of his role. Grade B.
Zach Hyman came in late off injuries but to me is having his best year ever. There isn't much to not like about Hyman's game. He hits, he checks and has netted some nice goals this year. Grade A-
Andreas Johnsson was off to another slowish start when he got injured. He is the most likely to be offered in any trade package once he returns. I can't see the Leafs keeping both him and Kapanen.Grade C.
Jake Muzzin. People say he is slowing down, he never was that fast but I think he has played well and with jam and physicality. He got injured by Washington's Tom Wilson and played on with the injury but eventually had to recover . I think the Leafs would be wise to resign a guy like Jake on a 3 to 4 year deal. Muzzin brings a lot of intangibles to the team, including blueline grit. Grade C+.
Justin Holl: The Maple Leafs got lucky and found a top 4 defenseman out of nowhere really. They promptly gave him a 3 year deal at $2 Million per year. A great find and the real surprise find this year. Grade B+
Pierre Engvall is a former 7th rounder(2014) from Sweden.The winger has payed very well, mostly on the 4th line where he has chipped in with some timely goals. His arrival, along with his size and tools(PK killer) have made others expendable. A true revelation. Grade A.
Frederick Gauthier is a 4th liner who seems to be a bordeline NHL'er and with his size makes many wish he wasn't such a gentle giant.He does check well and can take faceoffs but needs to either score more or get more involved physically to keep his job .Grade C-.
Travis Dermott came into the season late from injury and to me looks to be a future top 4 defenseman who can chip in offensively while playing a physical style, he just isn't quite there just yet. Grade C+.
Dmytro Timashov is a former Mark Hunter 5th rounder who has played well as a 4th line winger, the question is does he have a future in Toronto ? Rumours are Dubas may be looking to move him. Grade C.
Codi Ceci came over from Ottawa in the Zaitsev, Brown trade. He is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year. He is clearly not a top 2 defenseman despite the protests of Leaf GM Kyle Dubas and to me is for the most part not high impact. He is the kind of defenseman you only notice when he makes mistakes. Grade C.
Trevor Moore was playing reasonably well and was one of the Leafs more physical players before his injury. Small sample size. Grade C.
Martin Marincin. Despite being waived this guy hangs around like a bad smell. Grade D. Dubas just resigned him for another year at 700K per year.
Frederick Andersen: He has been for the most part stellar and most nights is the Leafs defense.The Leafs rely heavily on Andersen to make the big saves and then try and just outscore the other team much like the old 80's Edmonton Oilers and Grant Fuhr. So far, he has been the Leafs best player. Let's hope he doesn't burn out or get injured, the Leafs season depends on it .Grade A.
Michael Hutchinson: He got off to brutal start before finally winning a couple of games and was on many nights left out to dry. While he has looked better, he doesn't always make the big saves. Grade C-.
Kyle Dubas. Hard to rate him fairly right now. Will he trade Tyson Barrie or Cody Ceci or will get nothing? Is Jake Muzzin resigning or did he overpay for a rental? Was trading two first rounders wise on a cap strapped team? Has he overpaid the kids? Dubas has a couple of holes to fill before this team wins a cup, namely defense and backup not to mention grit. Grade C+.
Team grade B+: Defense still remains a concern and on many nights the team leaves their goalie out to dry. There is plenty of offense and as long as Frederick Andersen stays healthy they have a chance every night. The problem is the Leafs are getting injured and the playoffs are a different animal than the regular season. This style is fun to watch and works now but it may wear thin as the games get tighter and the NHL playoffs approach. Will the changes be made that are needed? Does Dubas even have the chips? I don't think another first round playoff loss will be received well.
Player to watch: Rasmus Sandin looks to be a future star defenseman.
Honourable mention: Timothy Liljegren, a 20 year old Right handed defenseman and a former first rounder should soon get a good look in the NHL, he seems close to being ready.
Wouldn't you know it, release report, Leafs go on a 3 game losing streak , including an 8 to 4 ass whoopin to Florida. Dubas better wake up, this team is heading for another first round exit. Something anyone could do, especially with all the money spent.Should leafs accept failure at this point? The answer is no. Anyone could guide this team to a first round playoff exit..anyone.
www.theleafswinthecup.com
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