Marlies, Cyclones, and Prospect Discussion

After seeing Myers again, I wouldn't be against giving Niemela a sniff at the nhl level. I heard he might go back to Finland but idk. I realize hes under performed, but Myers is just really bad and were in a position to give a guy a chance as #6. Even Villeneuve, could deserve a chan
Rifia
 
Last edited:
With Minten, and Grebenkin out, there's definitely less to look forward to on this prospect pool. I hate to say it, but we're likely bottom 3 in the league now.

Outside of Cowan, the goalies (Akhtyamov & Hildeby) and Danford there isn't much screaming out at me.

I do think we've had a lot of guys step in the right direction..

Prospect Risers:
  1. Victor Johansson: An absolute offensive explosion from him. This is tiny, but man can he skate. Would love to see him marinate next year in the SHL, then we can bring him over.
  2. Sam Mccue: Really nice step forward in production. He's physical, he agitates and he can score. I've really liked what I've seen from him and I think we should see him getting an ELC very shortly.
  3. William Villeneuve: Honestly, last year I was starting to right him off. But he's been playing pretty well this year. His skating seems to be less of a problem.
  4. Alex Steeves: Look he's 24, but I think there's something there. He looked good in his call-up, and he's been arguably the best forward in the AHL.
  5. Noah Chadwick: Another good season, almost made team Canada. Will be interested to see how he fairs in the A next year.
Others: Quillian has had a nice first pro-season, Joe Miller is likely worth a contract, and Miroslav Holinka had a nice WJC, and has good bottom 6 skills.

The issue is - I think more players are trending poorly, then in the right direction.

Prospect Fallers:
  1. Ty Voit: Injuries have set him back immensely. At this point, I'm pretty much writing him off, abysmal stats for an offensive forward. Yes Cincinnati sucks, but he's gotta be doing better at this stage.
  2. Ryan Tverberg: Huge step backwards. Has all the intangibles to be a good bottom 6er, but man has he stepped backwards.
  3. Topi Niemela: I still like this kid, but we're now on year 3 and he still hasn't put on the weight, and his production has taken a big step backwards.
  4. Nick Moldenhauer: At this point, I'd expect more from him as a sophomore. Probably not even worth signing to a contract.
  5. Roni Hirvonen: Expected more from him. He does things really well, but it's just again, limited progression by year 3, is disappointing.
Others: Plesovikh I know folks have been posting about him, but not many players in their d+1 with that production in the MHL do much at the next level. Peksa has been brutal, and the rest have been unremarkable.
 
Was at the 67s-Gens game last night. Thought Danford played pretty well, struck me as someone with gold intuition/read of where the puck was going to go Everytime he was on the ice. Also seems to have better offensive instincts than his numbers suggest, but no idea if that will ever translate into output

Simon Wang also seems like he's going to be an incredibly fascinating guy to keep track of. Guys got a massive wing span, and looks like he's got a ton of raw talent but has a ways to go in shaping it. Would love it if the Leafs could find a way to grab him at the draft (though seems like he's going to be a firm 1st rounder?)
 
Does Reaves draw in for the Marlies tonight?
The Marlies picked up Reese Johnson at the NHL deadline and Brandon Baddock at the AHL deadline. Both are very Reaves styled players. They are AHL'ers that would qualify as veterans like Reaves and their primary roles are to bring the hits and fights. It led me to believe they were doing the Simmonds routine with the Reavonator to end this season.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mitch nylander
I had more hopes with the 1st rounders before they were traded. Dallas did well with late round 1sts. Stupid trades that will bother me for a while
At least.... the players we got back weren't rentals. But yeah, trading away the 1sts hurts. I'm still hoping we re-coup some picks by trading a high cap hit player and sign McJesus :laugh:
 
Reaves has not reported to the Marlies, there is a John Gruden quote about it.
There was an article: in the Hockey News as well: "
Ryan Reaves was assigned to the AHL's Toronto Marlies on the day of the trade deadline, but it remains unknown if he'll suit up for the team.
The 38-year-old was placed on waivers on Mar. 6 with the Toronto Maple Leafs hoping to free up most of Reaves' salary to acquire a player ahead of the playoffs. After clearing waivers, Toronto added defenseman Brandon Carlo from the Boston Bruins.
Usually, once a player is assigned to their AHL club, they report to the team. However, because of Reaves' importance to the Maple Leafs, it has yet to happen. And if injuries occur with the NHL club, he'll likely not see the AHL.
'We'll See What Happens With That': Marlies Coach John Gruden Hasn't Spoken To Ryan Reaves Following Maple Leafs' Assignment To AHL"
 

Ad

Ad