Confirmed with Link: Leafs sign Kurtis Gabriel to 1 year contract (750k)

[ottomaddox]

Which ones are those?

Sorry. I had poor phone reception yesterday.

Well Kyle became gm in May 2018. So if you look at who TOR drafted from 2018 and who is playing regularly you'll find your answer.

As of now Ryan Tverberg is not a regular in the line up.

 

[saltming]

Richie and gabriel: the second coming?

 

[acrobaticgoalie]

Sorry. I had poor phone reception yesterday.

Well Kyle became gm in May 2018. So if you look at who TOR drafted from 2018 and who is playing regularly you'll find your answer.

As of now Ryan Tverberg is not a regular in the line up.

Lol most of Dubas' picks aren't even AHL eligible yet. You expect non top 15 prospects and late round picks to be NHL regulars or they've underachieved? Perhaps you should look at the 2018 draft and provide a list of prospects drafted after Sandin or any of our other picks that are playing in the NHL.

Sandin- Dominated AHL as a teen, has played NHL games and put up points. Named best D man at the WJC putting up 10 pts in 7 games.

Robertson- we all know he had a remarkable season in the OHL. 16 pts in 21 games on a shit Marlies team in the AHL. Played 6 NHL games already as a 19 yr old.

Amirov - played well in the KHL last year in limited minutes. Was around PPG in pre season in the top 6 before getting hurt. Put up around ppg at the WJC on Russia's top line.

Niemela - played top pairing in Finland's top league as an 18 yr old. Was named best D man at WJC that included top prospects like Drysdale, Byram, York, Heinola, putting up 8 pts in 7 games. Just followed that up with another 6 pts in 6 games at the WJSS.

Hirvonen - played top line center at times in Finland as an 18 yr old. Played top line for Finland at the WJC putting up around ppg. Just recently put up 8G , 2A at the WJSS. Is currently playing top line in Finland again putting up points.

Abruzzese - one of the highest scoring players as a freshman in the NCAA after being drafted. Didnt get to play last year because of Covid.

Abramov - had 76 pts in 63 games in the QMJHL on a team where the next highest scorer only had 41 pts. Will be joining the Marlies this year.

Kokkonen - played top defensive minutes in Finland. Played strong shut down role for Finland at the WJC. Looked great playing for the Marlies at the end of the season and even put up 7 pts in 11 games. Has also been putting up some points over in Finland to start the pre season.

Koster - played great for the U.S. at the U18s shutting down the likes of Lafreniere, Byfield, Newhook. played top defensive minutes at times as a freshman in the NCAA. Got lots of praise from the coaching staff at both ends of the ice.

Knies- we only drafted him a few weeks ago but he has already had a fantastic showing at the WJSS with 5 pts in 5 games.

SDA- had 75 pts in 55 games in his last OHL season. Looked to be doing decent in the KHL last year. Looked good on the Marlies and put up 4 pts in6 games. Shown some decent glimpses at times (leafs camps).

I dont see any of these prospects underachieving so far. These guys are all progressing nicely. The only player I would really say that underachieved was Stotts and Hollowel so far at the AHL level. Would also like to see more from SDA

 

[Knies iT]

Lol most of Dubas' picks aren't even AHL eligible yet. You expect non top 15 prospects and late round picks to be NHL regulars or they've underachieved? Perhaps you should look at the 2018 draft and provide a list of prospects drafted after Sandin or any of our other picks that are playing in the NHL.

Sandin- Dominated AHL as a teen, has played NHL games and put up points. Named best D man at the WJC putting up 10 pts in 7 games.

Robertson- we all know he had a remarkable season in the OHL. 16 pts in 21 games on a shit Marlies team in the AHL. Played 6 NHL games already as a 19 yr old.

Amirov - played well in the KHL last year in limited minutes. Was around PPG in pre season in the top 6 before getting hurt. Put up around ppg at the WJC on Russia's top line.

Niemela - played top pairing in Finland's top league as an 18 yr old. Was named best D man at WJC that included top prospects like Drysdale, Byram, York, Heinola, putting up 8 pts in 7 games. Just followed that up with another 6 pts in 6 games at the WJSS.

Hirvonen - played top line center at times in Finland as an 18 yr old. Played top line for Finland at the WJC putting up around ppg. Just recently put up 8G , 2A at the WJSS. Is currently playing top line in Finland again putting up points.

Abruzzese - one of the highest scoring players as a freshman in the NCAA after being drafted. Didnt get to play last year because of Covid.

Abramov - had 76 pts in 63 games in the QMJHL on a team where the next highest scorer only had 41 pts. Will be joining the Marlies this year.

Kokkonen - played top defensive minutes in Finland. Played strong shut down role for Finland at the WJC. Looked great playing for the Marlies at the end of the season and even put up 7 pts in 11 games. Has also been putting up some points over in Finland to start the pre season.

Koster - played great for the U.S. at the U18s shutting down the likes of Lafreniere, Byfield, Newhook. played top defensive minutes at times as a freshman in the NCAA. Got lots of praise from the coaching staff at both ends of the ice.

Knies- we only drafted him a few weeks ago but he has already had a fantastic showing at the WJSS with 5 pts in 5 games.

SDA- had 75 pts in 55 games in his last OHL season. Looked to be doing decent in the KHL last year. Looked good on the Marlies and put up 4 pts in6 games. Shown some decent glimpses at times (leafs camps).

I dont see any of these prospects underachieving so far. These guys are all progressing nicely. The only player I would really say that underachieved was Stotts and Hollowel so far at the AHL level. Would also like to see more from SDA

You won't see any of these critics in the prospect thread because they don't actually watch them play. They look at height/weight on hockeyDB and use the cop out that an 18-20 year old isn't good because they're not in the NHL yet. Don't have a clue.

Anyone who follows our prospects knows that the pipeline is as healthy and deep as it's been in a long time. A majority of the selections are already on a sharp trajectory, even if it is lower levels, whereas only a few years ago we were looking at guys like Walker, Gordeev, Mattinen, Dzierkals, etc. etc. all stagnate and even regress in some cases immediately post-draft.

 

[ottomaddox]

You won't see any of these critics in the prospect thread because they don't actually watch them play. They look at height/weight on hockeyDB and use the cop out that an 18-20 year old isn't good because they're not in the NHL yet. Don't have a clue.

Anyone who follows our prospects knows that the pipeline is as healthy and deep as it's been in a long time. A majority of the selections are already on a sharp trajectory, even if it is lower levels, whereas only a few years ago we were looking at guys like Walker, Gordeev, Mattinen, Dzierkals, etc. etc. all stagnate and even regress in some cases immediately post-draft.

You can't be serious. We are not watching any of these players using a time machine. Just because you watch Leaf prospects obsessively doesn't mean you're the only one that can say who will be a great player down the road.

Even the above breakdown of prospects doesn't really prove a proper trajectory. But let us say it does. Why would Dubas then sign all these fringe players?

 

[Stonehands1990]

You can't be serious. We are not watching any of these players using a time machine. Just because you watch Leaf prospects obsessively doesn't mean you're the only one that can say who will be a great player down the road.

Even the above breakdown of prospects doesn't really prove a proper trajectory. But let us say it does. Why would Dubas then sign all these fringe players?

To answer your question the players signed are pretty much stop gaps until our drafted players can make an impact at the NHL level. Sandin & Liljegren are pretty much ready. Robertson is the only other one who’s close

 

[acrobaticgoalie]

You can't be serious. We are not watching any of these players using a time machine. Just because you watch Leaf prospects obsessively doesn't mean you're the only one that can say who will be a great player down the road.

Even the above breakdown of prospects doesn't really prove a proper trajectory. But let us say it does. Why would Dubas then sign all these fringe players?

Never said it proves they make it. You claimed that our prospects are underachieving. I pointed out that they are all doing some noteworthy things and progressing since they were drafted which would suggest otherwise.

 

[ottomaddox]

Never said it proves they make it. You claimed that our prospects are underachieving. I pointed out that they are all doing some noteworthy things and progressing since they were drafted which would suggest otherwise.

Not really because my post had to do with someone on this board asking why TOR needs to sign Gabriel in the first place. My answer remains the same.

 

[ottomaddox]

Never said it proves they make it. You claimed that our prospects are underachieving. I pointed out that they are all doing some noteworthy things and progressing since they were drafted which would suggest otherwise.

I don't want to come off as someone who just blanket dislikes whatever Dubas does.

I like a couple of TOR's prospects. I want them so badly to be regulars.

 

[Pholus]

Sorry. I had poor phone reception yesterday.

Well Kyle became gm in May 2018. So if you look at who TOR drafted from 2018 and who is playing regularly you'll find your answer.

As of now Ryan Tverberg is not a regular in the line up.

Here is the complete list of players drafted in 2018 who have played more NHL games than Sandin (keep in mind this does not mean they are "playing regularly"):

1 (29): Sandin 37 GP
2 (38): Alexander Romanov 54 GP for Montreal
4 (120): Philipp Kurashev 54 GP for Chicago
5 (141): Yegor Sharangovich 54 GP for New Jersey
6 (182): John Leonard 44 GP for San Jose

That's it. You will also notice that Chicago, New Jersey and San Jose are all bad teams that are much easier for a 22 year old forward to win a roster spot on than Toronto's defense (not to mention that the forwards are all older than Sandin). I personally don't think that any of these 4 players are better than Sandin, so this would not support your hypothesis that Dubas is bad at drafting.

Let's look at 2019 & 2020. There are 0 players picked after Robertson/Amirov who are NHL regulars. Again, does not support Dubas being bad at drafting.

My personal opinion is that Dubas is not bad at drafting, but expecting any player not drafted in the top 5/10 to be an NHL regular before they're 22 is ridiculous. Most drafted players will need at least 4-5 years before they get a chance to play regular NHL minutes, so the time to START evaluating Dubas' drafting abilities is in 2 or 3 years. Until then, we can only monitor the players he has chosen to draft, who pretty much all seem to be developing well as @acrobaticgoalie pointed out.

As for why Dubas is signing players who are not going to be NHL regulars, the answer is competition. He wants to create competition for spots at the bottom of the roster. He wants to create competition for spots on the Marlies roster. The idea is that young prospects will have to beat out someone else in order to earn playing time, whether that's on the Leafs 4th line/3rd pair or in the Marlies top 9/top 4. Additionally, he also wants people who will help to create a good environment for the young players, who will encourage and support our young prospects as those prospects beat out said veteran players for those roster spots.

 

[Twine Tickler]

Knies- we only drafted him a few weeks ago but he has already had a fantastic showing at the WJSS with 5 pts in 5 games.

He actually had 6pts in 4 games at the WJSS. He split his playing time over the 2 USA rosters (Blue and White)

3G + 3A in 4GP

I think he was only behind Thomas Bordeleau in team USA scoring, however he played 1 less game. Not to mention I kind of recall he was part of some late game heroics at some point in the showcase.

He was a stand out, no question about it.

 

[Twine Tickler]

whereas only a few years ago we were looking at guys like Walker, Gordeev, Mattinen, Dzierkals, etc. etc. all stagnate and even regress in some cases immediately post-draft.

I remember the days where I would convince myself that Sondre Olden would be the next Alex Mogilny.... or that Christian Hanson would be the next Bertuzzi....or Luca Caputi would be the next Gilmour

I am so happy those days are behind us

To kind of add to your point, we have more lines in the water than I can ever recall. Before we would have maybe 3-5 players in our organization with NHL level potential whereas that number is more along the lines of 10-15 at this point. That Doesn't necessarily mean they will all make it or have a big impact if/when they do, it just says they are tracking towards at the very least playing in the NHL at some point in their careers. We used to draft guys on the regular who essentially squashed all hope of playing in the NHL like 2 months after being drafted. At least the current crop is tracking in the right direction.

Matt Finn, Tyler Biggs, Stuart Percy, Brad Ross, Sondre Olden, Kenny Ryan, Jesse Blacker, and Jamie Devane were selections made from 2009 to 2012 in the first 3 rounds of the draft. These were relatively high picks given the fact we were complete trash for those years, and still all of those players combined for 15 NHL games. Not to mention Stuart Percy has 12 of those GP.

Anyone who is critical of KD's drafting either has a short term memory, is a new Leaf fan, or just a KD hater. Of course, we can only speculate how KD's selections will pan out as they are still relatively in their infancy stage, but the fact that they are tracking in the right direction is already better than any of the names listed above.

 

[Leafs87]

Richie and gabriel: the second coming?
View attachment 462013

They were a huge part of the best season we had since the initial lockdown. I know we had statistically better season, but that was the first time I remember the leafs “playing right” in a very long time with consistency

 

[Stephen]

I remember the days where I would convince myself that Sondre Olden would be the next Alex Mogilny.... or that Christian Hanson would be the next Bertuzzi....or Luca Caputi would be the next Gilmour

I am so happy those days are behind us

To kind of add to your point, we have more lines in the water than I can ever recall. Before we would have maybe 3-5 players in our organization with NHL level potential whereas that number is more along the lines of 10-15 at this point. That Doesn't necessarily mean they will all make it or have a big impact if/when they do, it just says they are tracking towards at the very least playing in the NHL at some point in their careers. We used to draft guys on the regular who essentially squashed all hope of playing in the NHL like 2 months after being drafted. At least the current crop is tracking in the right direction.

Matt Finn, Tyler Biggs, Stuart Percy, Brad Ross, Sondre Olden, Kenny Ryan, Jesse Blacker, and Jamie Devane were selections made from 2009 to 2012 in the first 3 rounds of the draft. These were relatively high picks given the fact we were complete trash for those years, and still all of those players combined for 15 NHL games. Not to mention Stuart Percy has 12 of those GP.

Anyone who is critical of KD's drafting either has a short term memory, is a new Leaf fan, or just a KD hater. Of course, we can only speculate how KD's selections will pan out as they are still relatively in their infancy stage, but the fact that they are tracking in the right direction is already better than any of the names listed above.

When the Leafs promoted Matthews, Nylander, Marner, Brown, Zaitsev and Hyman in the fall of 2016 and rubber hit the road and the rebuild started translating into NHL goals and wins, you could confidently say "those days are behind us." That's hope and planning meeting real results.

But when the likes of Sandin, Robertson, Amirov, Knies, Niemela and friends are all in early stages of development, how do you know you're not hoping on the next Sondre Olden, Viktor Stalberg or Tyler Biggs or Stu Percy until they actually do something in the NHL?

 

[Twine Tickler]

But when the likes of Sandin, Robertson, Amirov, Knies, Niemela and friends are all in early stages of development, how do you know you're not hoping on the next Sondre Olden, Viktor Stalberg or Tyler Biggs or Stu Percy until they actually do something in the NHL?

This is exactly why I closed out my post with the statement "Of course, we can only speculate how KD's selections will pan out as they are still relatively in their infancy stage, but the fact that they are tracking in the right direction is already better than any of the names listed above."

And judging by the fact that Sandin and Roberston alone already have more NHL experience than the names I listed above kind of backs that statement.

We have no clue what will come from our current pool. But as I said earlier, we have more lines in the water than ever before. Even if we take our historical average rate of success, it should produce more NHL bound talent than the average 5 year span of this franchise. We have more late round picks that have tracked upwards than I can ever recall.

of course, lots can still happen. Both positively and negatively. But if the only real argument for the folks that don't like KD's drafting the last 4 years is "how do you know you're not hoping on the next Sondre Olden, Viktor Stalberg or Tyler Biggs or Stu Percy until they actually do something in the NHL?", then maybe we need to look at "successful drafting" at this stage in a different way. Wherein we can look at a confirmed "bust" prospect as someone we can definitively write off as having zero chance at making the NHL.

With that logic I could have almost wrote off the likes of Matt Finn, Tyler Biggs, Stuart Percy, Brad Ross, Sondre Olden, Kenny Ryan, Jesse Blacker, and Jamie Devane by their D+2 seasons, and certainly by D+3. This is just something that has not been the case for pretty well all of Kyle's selections in the first 3 rounds during his tenure as the Leafs GM. The one exception being Riley Stotts. I think we can confidently write him off and mark him down as having zero NHL potential.

So when we approach it using that angle I'd say its probably a better way to view success at this stage in the game. The players we have been selecting have not regressed to the point of going from prospect to suspect. They are still very much in the mix to make the NHL. Which to me, is success. Ultimately this is a very challenging roster for a young player to make the last couple years. The fact that we have guys knocking on the door is incredible IMO, and we have 2-3 guys that should make the jump full time this season alone.

I am not trying to single you out specifically. I know what you were suggesting. We can't say they are success stories until they prove it at the highest level. Totally fair. But looking at it from a "known miss" standpoint might highlight a different storyline for some

 

[Wafflewhipper]

I would rather Gabriel get a really sound look in camp and pre-season games and regular season games on a permanent 4th line that hammers other teams defensively and physically.
Preferably Gabriel comes in and improves what he’s brought in the past games with more opportunities and responsibilities. That doesn’t mean I don’t like his ability to recognize when he is going after someone that crossed the line against a teammate.

I look forward to Keefe getting Gabriel moving in the right direction for developing a better game actually. I view him like a rookie, defensive play is paramount and then you add to that with your unique talents.

Gabriel can skate and hit and recognize defensive assignments. Perfect that and we have a nice support player. That’s it. Thats his fragment of the team as a whole he owns.

Not sure how this thread became a prospect thread jeez

 

[Stephen]

This is exactly why I closed out my post with the statement "Of course, we can only speculate how KD's selections will pan out as they are still relatively in their infancy stage, but the fact that they are tracking in the right direction is already better than any of the names listed above."

I am not trying to single you out specifically. I know what you were suggesting. We can't say they are success stories until they prove it at the highest level. Totally fair. But looking at it from a "known miss" standpoint might highlight a different storyline for some

Long story short, let's wait for these guys to make it and then we'll give Dubas the gold sticker then.

Anyway, back to Gabriel. I do like the fact that he's a gritty customer who has been through the San Jose and New Jersey systems over the past couple of years. Without any guarantees, those organizations do a pretty good job of identifying those 3rd and 4th liner types who can chip in a little bit and play those roles. He's a little older at 28, but doesn't have a ton of NHL mileage. Could he turn into a Kyle Clifford type?

 

[Dekes For Days]

Long story short, let's wait for these guys to make it and then we'll give Dubas the gold sticker then.

Prospects can be evaluated based on their progression and performance before they make the NHL.

 

[Twine Tickler]

Long story short, let's wait for these guys to make it and then we'll give Dubas the gold sticker then.

Anyway, back to Gabriel. I do like the fact that he's a gritty customer who has been through the San Jose and New Jersey systems over the past couple of years. Without any guarantees, those organizations do a pretty good job of identifying those 3rd and 4th liner types who can chip in a little bit and play those roles. He's a little older at 28, but doesn't have a ton of NHL mileage. Could he turn into a Kyle Clifford type?

Ya I wouldn't be surprised if Kurtis carves out a semi regular role in our lineup. Its very obvious he loves to turn the dial up. He alone can bring a playoff like feel to a game if he drives the animosity level up. He's not afraid to get vocal, and he is not afraid of anyone. The fact that SJ highlights even came on TV last year was because he was raising hell either in the game or in warmup. That type of energy is what is going to condition this group to playing tough games IMO. They need intense regular season games in order to condition themselves for intense playoff games. Kurtis' compete level will never be in question from what I've seen/read. That shit is contagious

 

[saltming]

They were a huge part of the best season we had since the initial lockdown. I know we had statistically better season, but that was the first time I remember the leafs “playing right” in a very long time with consistency

We beat every team, win or lose we beat them good hahaha

 

[justashadowof]

Just searched his name on YT and found:

"Kurtis Gabriel Gets a Game Misconduct For Vicious Cheap Shot on Johan Larsson"
"Vince Dunn Drops Kurtis Gabriel With One Punch" - Gabriel goes after Vince Dunn off the ice and gets owned
"Ryan Reaves and Kurtis Gabriel Drop The Gloves For Big Fight At The Start of Period"
"Gabriel Cross Checks MacDermid In Pre-Game Warmups Resulting in the Two Exchaging Blows Mid-Game"
"Gotta See It: Devils' Kurtis Gabriel Drills Nolan Patrick From Behind"
"Kurtis Gabriel Gives Ryan Reaves Sack Tap With Skate Blade [Injury]"



This dude plays like a jackass. I thought the pearl clutchers are supposed hate this type of player.

 

[Racer88]

Just searched his name on YT and found:

"Kurtis Gabriel Gets a Game Misconduct For Vicious Cheap Shot on Johan Larsson"
"Vince Dunn Drops Kurtis Gabriel With One Punch" - Gabriel goes after Vince Dunn off the ice and gets owned
"Ryan Reaves and Kurtis Gabriel Drop The Gloves For Big Fight At The Start of Period"
"Gabriel Cross Checks MacDermid In Pre-Game Warmups Resulting in the Two Exchaging Blows Mid-Game"
"Gotta See It: Devils' Kurtis Gabriel Drills Nolan Patrick From Behind"
"Kurtis Gabriel Gives Ryan Reaves Sack Tap With Skate Blade [Injury]"



This dude plays like a jackass. I thought the pearl clutchers are supposed hate this type of player.

I guess the big question I have is what the heck is a “Pearl clutcher”

 

[al secord]

Just searched his name on YT and found:

"Kurtis Gabriel Gets a Game Misconduct For Vicious Cheap Shot on Johan Larsson"
"Vince Dunn Drops Kurtis Gabriel With One Punch" - Gabriel goes after Vince Dunn off the ice and gets owned
"Ryan Reaves and Kurtis Gabriel Drop The Gloves For Big Fight At The Start of Period"
"Gabriel Cross Checks MacDermid In Pre-Game Warmups Resulting in the Two Exchaging Blows Mid-Game"
"Gotta See It: Devils' Kurtis Gabriel Drills Nolan Patrick From Behind"
"Kurtis Gabriel Gives Ryan Reaves Sack Tap With Skate Blade [Injury]"



This dude plays like a jackass. I thought the pearl clutchers are supposed hate this type of player.

Old time hockey. Eddie Shore.

 

[JT AM da real deal]

Just searched his name on YT and found:

"Kurtis Gabriel Gets a Game Misconduct For Vicious Cheap Shot on Johan Larsson"
"Vince Dunn Drops Kurtis Gabriel With One Punch" - Gabriel goes after Vince Dunn off the ice and gets owned
"Ryan Reaves and Kurtis Gabriel Drop The Gloves For Big Fight At The Start of Period"
"Gabriel Cross Checks MacDermid In Pre-Game Warmups Resulting in the Two Exchaging Blows Mid-Game"
"Gotta See It: Devils' Kurtis Gabriel Drills Nolan Patrick From Behind"
"Kurtis Gabriel Gives Ryan Reaves Sack Tap With Skate Blade [Injury]"



This dude plays like a jackass. I thought the pearl clutchers are supposed hate this type of player.

He is not da best fighter but he sticks up for his team-mates always with no exceptions .. he is a lot dirty .. kinda a little like Pronger which keeps opposing teams watching him .. Nick is same way .. at some point one of these guys will knock someone out of hockey with a dirty play .. most likely a head on glass shot from behind .. no one will like it but that's why you keep your head up and make sure you are not vulnerable .. always good to have a couple guys on your bench to keep other team honest .. they will create more penalties for and due to game management there will be even up calls for us too

 

[kb]

Old time hockey. Eddie Shore.