LD Travis Dermott - Erie Otters, OHL (2015, 34th, TOR)

[Phion Keneuf]

Should be our long-term #5 D who can play top 4 if needed.

Rielly- ____
Gardiner-Zaistev
Dermott- ____

Dermott has been great on the Marlies this year.

 

[weems]

There is a *little* bit of Duncan Keith in there imo, but needs to work on his shot, the one good thing I can say about is it will go through traffic.

I get a Brodin- esque feel.
One of those good skating defenders who defend well with positioning and smarts. Not the most physical but smart, can skate and move the puck.

15-20pt with the ability to play in all situations type.

 

[Stephen]

Haven't followed the Marlies too closely this year with all the rookie hoopla with the big club, but it sounds like Dermott's been developing in total obscurity in the AHL all season. When the Leafs traded down from Konecny and Larsson it seemed like they had a good idea of who they were sliding down to take. At the time I had a feeling like they were unearthing some hidden gem type player. I know the Duncan Keith reference has been thrown around. The fact that he's been able to develop quietly is a good thing in some ways. I don't know if it's a good thing that guys like Konecny, Larsson, Aho who the Leafs bypassed to take him, it makes his selection feel a bit like a miscalculation. I guess it would be nice if there was more advanced hype surrounding him.

 

[Leafs87]

He's been good. Nielsen is the one I'd keep an eye on for the future that kid seems really good

 

[weems]

Haven't followed the Marlies too closely this year with all the rookie hoopla with the big club, but it sounds like Dermott's been developing in total obscurity in the AHL all season. When the Leafs traded down from Konecny and Larsson it seemed like they had a good idea of who they were sliding down to take. At the time I had a feeling like they were unearthing some hidden gem type player. I know the Duncan Keith reference has been thrown around. The fact that he's been able to develop quietly is a good thing in some ways. I don't know if it's a good thing that guys like Konecny, Larsson, Aho who the Leafs bypassed to take him, it makes his selection feel a bit like a miscalculation. I guess it would be nice if there was more advanced hype surrounding him.

I think if you listen to the guys who follow the Marlies regularly, they've been saying for a bit how good Dermott has been playing. I think too many people get caught up in points and thats why you've heard much more about Nielsen even though if you talk to some they'll tell you Nielsens game is very far from NHL level. Sure he has fantastic offensive abilities but his defensive game and moreso his skating is a big work in progress.

Dermott is that kind of player that you dont notice as much because he plays a simple and quiet game and wont put up huge offensive numbers. From what I saw of Dermott in junior last year, this years leafs camp and his marlie play, he could step in right now and do well on a bottom pairing but has definite real top 4 upside.

 

[weems]

He's been good. Nielsen is the one I'd keep an eye on for the future that kid seems really good

His defensive game and skating is a big work in progress.
His offensive skills are real but he really needs to get quicker and more sound in his own end. Hes a prospect with enormous potential but hes definitely a bit of project.

 

[Knies iT]

I've made the comparison before but he's very similar to Giordano stylistically. Really heady two-way D who could probably play in the NHL right now. If it weren't for his high ankle sprain he'd have more points because he started the year off really strong and has come on even stronger since his recovery.

He's been good. Nielsen is the one I'd keep an eye on for the future that kid seems really good

Dermott is better, anyone who watches the Marlies will tell you that.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Haven't followed the Marlies too closely this year with all the rookie hoopla with the big club, but it sounds like Dermott's been developing in total obscurity in the AHL all season. When the Leafs traded down from Konecny and Larsson it seemed like they had a good idea of who they were sliding down to take. At the time I had a feeling like they were unearthing some hidden gem type player. I know the Duncan Keith reference has been thrown around. The fact that he's been able to develop quietly is a good thing in some ways. I don't know if it's a good thing that guys like Konecny, Larsson, Aho who the Leafs bypassed to take him, it makes his selection feel a bit like a miscalculation. I guess it would be nice if there was more advanced hype surrounding him.

I liked Dermott his draft year. I am sure you will find many posts of mine on him prior to the draft. After what I thought was a break through draft year, I thought he was only mildly impressive in his sophomore season. He hasn't progressed as much as I thought he would as I actually thought he would make the NHL this year.

He has a lot of Stuart Percy to him. Should be in the NHL, but isn't there yet. Only time will tell if dropping back was the right move. I do know I would have taken Konecny at #24 without hesitation. Quality vs Quantity argument.

 

[weems]

I liked Dermott his draft year. I am sure you will find many posts of mine on him prior to the draft. After what I thought was a break through draft year, I thought he was only mildly impressive in his sophomore season. He hasn't progressed as much as I thought he would as I actually thought he would make the NHL this year.

He has a lot of Stuart Percy to him. Should be in the NHL, but isn't there yet. Only time will tell if dropping back was the right move. I do know I would have taken Konecny at #24 without hesitation. Quality vs Quantity argument.

He gets around the ice much better then Percy which is huge in todays league.

 

[Knies iT]

I liked Dermott his draft year. I am sure you will find many posts of mine on him prior to the draft. After what I thought was a break through draft year, I thought he was only mildly impressive in his sophomore season. He hasn't progressed as much as I thought he would as I actually thought he would make the NHL this year.

He has a lot of Stuart Percy to him. Should be in the NHL, but isn't there yet. Only time will tell if dropping back was the right move. I do know I would have taken Konecny at #24 without hesitation. Quality vs Quantity argument.

Better skater than Percy, more physical, and 15lbs heavier. Was also rated the 2nd best offensive D in the OHL last year.

Don't see it.

 

[Kelly]

I liked Dermott his draft year. I am sure you will find many posts of mine on him prior to the draft. After what I thought was a break through draft year, I thought he was only mildly impressive in his sophomore season. He hasn't progressed as much as I thought he would as I actually thought he would make the NHL this year.

He has a lot of Stuart Percy to him. Should be in the NHL, but isn't there yet. Only time will tell if dropping back was the right move. I do know I would have taken Konecny at #24 without hesitation. Quality vs Quantity argument.

Were you not just in the Zacha thread preaching about patience and how it was too early to be declaring winners and losers from the '15 draft? Honestly we won't know until like 4-5 years if it was a smart move dropping back for Dermott/Bracco/Dzerkials, and honestly the Percy comparison is a very odd one.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Were you not just in the Zacha thread preaching about patience and how it was too early to be declaring winners and losers from the '15 draft? Honestly we won't know until like 4-5 years if it was a smart move dropping back for Dermott/Bracco/Dzerkials, and honestly the Percy comparison is a very odd one.

Hence, only time will tell in my reply. Not sure where you saw a declared winner or loser. However, it doesn't change my opinion of taking Konecny when he was on the board at #24. You just don't pass on a talent like that when it lands on your lap. Which I agree with Stephen, possibly a miscalculation. Not sure why you are replying to me and not him?

 

[Pi]

Hence, only time will tell in my reply. Not sure where you saw a declared winner or loser. However, it doesn't change my opinion of taking Konecny when he was on the board at #24. You just don't pass on a talent like that when it lands on your lap. Which I agree with Stephen, possibly a miscalculation. Not sure why you are replying to me and not him?

The Leafs were smart in that draft. Marner was the guy you can't pass up on. He landed in the lap of the Leafs and they said thank you NHL and laughed all the way to the podium.

I'd still trade down every opportunity because the talent level after the first few picks is the same. Defenseman, especially take longer to develop. Look at Ghost, he made the NHL at 22-23, people thought he was a star after rookie year and now he's scratched multiple times and is still learning the game. Lot easier to play wing as a rookie and Konency has 22 points in 51 games, hardly anything worth regretting over. In contrast, I'd be crying for days if the Leafs passed on Marner and he was doing this on a different team.

Flyers tend to rush their forward prospects in the NHL and it stunts their growth. Couturier was supposed to be Bergeron and he's Hanzal at best, Scott Laughton hype machine was DOA. We will see where Konency takes his hype train next year. Hopefully further than Couts or Laughton.

 

[leafsfan2point0]

Hence, only time will tell in my reply. Not sure where you saw a declared winner or loser. However, it doesn't change my opinion of taking Konecny when he was on the board at #24. You just don't pass on a talent like that when it lands on your lap. Which I agree with Stephen, possibly a miscalculation. Not sure why you are replying to me and not him?

As soon as I saw your name, without reading your post I thought "what negative criticism does he have to say now" You're probably right, I'm sure you did have many nice things to say about him before he was drafted by the leafs.
Stu Percy

Dermott has been solid. He's a very good skater, and is solid all around. He's safe bet to play. I agree with the earlier poster maybe gio without his shot. I also get a Daley vibe off him

 

[Knies iT]

Hence, only time will tell in my reply. Not sure where you saw a declared winner or loser. However, it doesn't change my opinion of taking Konecny when he was on the board at #24. You just don't pass on a talent like that when it lands on your lap. Which I agree with Stephen, possibly a miscalculation. Not sure why you are replying to me and not him?

The knock on Konecny was that he was too small for the NHL game given his style of play. Half way into his 1st season and he's out 6 weeks with an injury.

Nobody cares what your rankings were. You also had guys like Connor above Marner, Bozak over Kadri, etc. Dermott will be, in my opinion, a 2nd pair D at worst for the Leafs. That's more important for their team needs than another undersized winger (which they also got in Bracco + Dzierkals).

 

[firstemperor]

He has a lot of Stuart Percy to him. Should be in the NHL, but isn't there yet. Only time will tell if dropping back was the right move. I do know I would have taken Konecny at #24 without hesitation. Quality vs Quantity argument.

Dermott is really nothing like Percy. Percy didn't have a single facet to his game that was analogous to Dermott's skating ability. That fact alone makes Dermott a very likely candidate to graduate into the top 6 of the Leafs at some point (with ultimately, top 4 potential).

In terms of comparable, he reminds me of a more physical Sami Vatanen. (Note: Watching my fair share Duck games this year, Vatanen has looked horrendous at times but comparison still stands if looking at years past.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Not sure why everyone is replying to me in this thread, since I replied to what Stephen brought up and the valid points he made. He gets only one reply, and I get 7! I would encourage posters to read posts 78 and 83 and carry on the discussion. I don't have anything to add to that post at this time.

Dermott is really nothing like Percy. Percy didn't have a single facet to his game that was analogous to Dermott's skating ability. That fact alone makes Dermott a very likely candidate to graduate into the top 6 of the Leafs at some point (with ultimately, top 4 potential).

In terms of comparable, he reminds me of a more physical Sami Vatanen. (Note: Watching my fair share Duck games this year, Vatanen has looked horrendous at times but comparison still stands if looking at years past.

This may need clarifying so I will comment on this, with the Percy reference. If you look back to the Percy threads at the same age as he was as Dermott is now. He was also as highly thought of as a prospect as Dermott is right now. Being a former first rd pick I would probably say he was more highly thought of at their same ages after they were drafted. Not so much a comparison as players but more from a developmental point of view for both.

 

[Muston Atthews]

Not sure why everyone is replying to me in this thread, since I replied to what Stephen brought up and the valid points he made. He gets only one reply, and I get 7! I would encourage posters to read posts 78 and 83 and carry on the discussion. I don't have anything to add to that post at this time.



This may need clarifying so I will comment on this, with the Percy reference. If you look back to the Percy threads at the same age as he was as Dermott is now. He was also as highly thought of as a prospect as Dermott is right now. Being a former first rd pick I would probably say he was more highly thought of at their same ages after they were drafted. Not so much a comparison as players but more from a developmental point of view for both.

You don't know why everyone is responding to you? Maybe read the posts. Most are replying to your Percy comparison first, Konecny ranking second (if at all).

 

[Stephen]

I liked Dermott his draft year. I am sure you will find many posts of mine on him prior to the draft. After what I thought was a break through draft year, I thought he was only mildly impressive in his sophomore season. He hasn't progressed as much as I thought he would as I actually thought he would make the NHL this year.

He has a lot of Stuart Percy to him. Should be in the NHL, but isn't there yet. Only time will tell if dropping back was the right move. I do know I would have taken Konecny at #24 without hesitation. Quality vs Quantity argument.

He's built and has a similar profile to Morgan Rielly. Good puck moving defenseman, good wheels, thick body, solid and squat profile. Don't think he's actually like Stuart Percy.

 

[BDizzle*]

I've heard many times that he is a similar player to Gunnarson. Not a flashy player by any means, but rather a nice reliable player who you don't notice as much (which is a complement).

I really hope he can continue to improve as our D needs to improve if we ever have visions of being a true competitive team. Him and Neilson are our only home-grown potential NHL D-men.

 

[one77]

He'll be a good #5 for the Leafs.

Nielsen is the homerun prospect though IMO. He's got that big, tough, top pairing potential with a cannon of a shot and brings tons of offense. If he can improve his skating + defense he'll hit his ceiling. Thankfully for the Leafs, those are things you can teach a player, especially when you have a guy like Babcock at the helm...

 

[The Winter Soldier]

He's built and has a similar profile to Morgan Rielly. Good puck moving defenseman, good wheels, thick body, solid and squat profile. Don't think he's actually like Stuart Percy.

I'm not making a player to player comparison for Travis to Percy but more from a developmental point of view. To me Percy and Dermott are similar prospects at the same age. Both probably 2nd pairing Puck moving dependable D men with limited offensive upside.

I recall when Percy was drafted, people were similarly high on him at the time citing his hockey IQ. I thought he would be in the NHL once he completed his OHL career due to this, certainly after a short stint in the AHL, I am still surprised he is still in the AHL today.

But anyway, this is where I see the similarity. It will be interesting to watch Dermott's progression, where I think Nielsen has passed him on the depth chart, as he has progressed faster.

Further, I do agree with you on the premise you brought up. Seeing the potential players Leafs passed on to drop down, it may be a possible miscalculation. Only time will tell for this. This is okay to admit as a fan, as you are one of the few that can see not only positive outcomes but negative outcomes. So I commend you for atleast asking the question on the Main board.

 

[The Podium]

I'm not making a player to player comparison for Travis to Percy but more from a developmental point of view. To me Percy and Dermott are similar prospects at the same age. Both probably 2nd pairing Puck moving dependable D men with limited offensive upside.

I recall when Percy was drafted, people were similarly high on him at the time citing his hockey IQ. I thought he would be in the NHL once he completed his OHL career due to this, certainly after a short stint in the AHL, I am still surprised he is still in the AHL today.

But anyway, this is where I see the similarity. It will be interesting to watch Dermott's progression, where I think Nielsen has passed him on the depth chart, as he has progressed faster.

Further, I do agree with you on the premise you brought up. Seeing the potential players Leafs passed on to drop down, it may be a possible miscalculation. Only time will tell for this. This is okay to admit as a fan, as you are one of the few that can see not only positive outcomes but negative outcomes. So I commend you for atleast asking the question on the Main board.

So they are similar prospects in the way Claude Giroux is the same as Shea Weber. They are nothing alike but they are equally regarded? What is the point of making that comparison?

Also most Leaf fans aren't afraid to admit when trading down/up doesn't work. Most, in fact, were cursing when Burke moved up for Biggs. Most Leaf fans were also skeptical about the trade down but it will take 3-5 years for the trade to be fairly rated.

 

[Kamiccolo]

So they are similar prospects in the way Claude Giroux is the same as Shea Weber. They are nothing alike but they are equally regarded? What is the point of making that comparison?

Also most Leaf fans aren't afraid to admit when trading down/up doesn't work. Most, in fact, were cursing when Burke moved up for Biggs. Most Leaf fans were also skeptical about the trade down but it will take 3-5 years for the trade to be fairly rated.

I don't think any of the pieces will be home runs. However if the Leafs get a solid #4 D and a 2nd line winger for a first line winger out of the deal, it's pretty even IMO.

 

[613Leafer]

I don't think any of the pieces will be home runs. However if the Leafs get a solid #4 D and a 2nd line winger for a first line winger out of the deal, it's pretty even IMO.

I don't have particularly high hopes for Dzierkals or Bracco. I think most of this rests on Dermott.