Prospect Info: Marlies/Prospects Thread - 2023-23 Season Edition

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A very forward heavy draft.

""

Not that we have a shot at the top forwards, but reading that adds to my hesitancy to trade the 1st. I realize it will likely be required. But we have lacked a lot of 1st round talent of late. And I know I am using the most extreme examples, but players like Dawson Mercer and Wyatt Johnston make me think that certain players can step in sooner than later. It's no longer "they won't contribute for 5 years."
 
Not that we have a shot at the top forwards, but reading that adds to my hesitancy to trade the 1st. I realize it will likely be required. But we have lacked a lot of 1st round talent of late. And I know I am using the most extreme examples, but players like Dawson Mercer and Wyatt Johnston make me think that certain players can step in sooner than later. It's no longer "they won't contribute for 5 years."

I'm quasi hesitant. If we can obtain players who can help now, but have some term or control, I'm more comfortable with it. Or guys we can immediately extend at an affordable rate. I'm against moving the first in a deal for someone who we know is a pure rental.
 
Not that we have a shot at the top forwards, but reading that adds to my hesitancy to trade the 1st. I realize it will likely be required. But we have lacked a lot of 1st round talent of late. And I know I am using the most extreme examples, but players like Dawson Mercer and Wyatt Johnston make me think that certain players can step in sooner than later. It's no longer "they won't contribute for 5 years."
I like Musty a lot as a late first round forward. Think he's ready sooner than later.
 
Knies has been nominated for the Hobey Baker voting.
 

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And the idea of Knies and Musty as our top two big LWs, playing with the skill of RWs Marner and Nylander, is an exciting prospect.
That was my thought as well, good to balance with some size. Seems like Musty responds well to players' coaches (like Keefe), from what I've heard from people more familiar with Sudbury and their coaching change during his time there.
 
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Big move for the Marlies.

""

I used to pay very little attention to these type of roster promotions and signings. But as we've seen in the past half decade or so, these guys have been given every bit as much of a chance at making our big club as our affiliated prospects. You look at the likes of Trevor Moore, Bobby McMann, Justin Holl, and Mason Marchment just to name a few. They all either went undrafted, or started with our organization on some sort of loan or Minor League deal. We also don't seem to be giving our top prospects preferential treatment over any of the rest. For example, I remember being perplexed at how Timmy was not on PP1 a couple years back on the Marlies over Joey Dusak. I think I am starting to come around to this logic a bit more now.

Who knows what will come from Suthers, but this is a big move for him personally, and one step closer to becoming an option for us in the future. I've also been reading a lot of good reports on Marshall Rafai as well. These signings I used to view as purely minor league deals are no longer the case. Of course there are plenty of those signings that materialize into nothing of note as well, but as we can all see with Bobby McMann right now, you do not need to be the highest producer at the AHL/ECHL level to earn a callup in our organization, nor is it any indication on how you will fair once you earn that callup. It really looks like we are trying to develop depth players in depth roles at all levels now. Which is really encouraging to me. I will pay more attention to Suthers development going forward.

As for players like Johnstone, and Suthers and even Logan Shaw. Although the NHL dream may feel like a ways away at this point, and even though their deals are still minor league deals at this point, you have to be encouraged by what you see in the organization. You have to think these type of success stories are just more motivation to want to get better each day. Do what is expected of you and continually adapt into the role that we need at the NHL level, and there will be a good chance it gets noticed in some capacity.
 
I used to pay very little attention to these type of roster promotions and signings. But as we've seen in the past half decade or so, these guys have been given every bit as much of a chance at making our big club as our affiliated prospects. You look at the likes of Trevor Moore, Bobby McMann, Justin Holl, and Mason Marchment just to name a few. They all either went undrafted, or started with our organization on some sort of loan or Minor League deal. We also don't seem to be giving our top prospects preferential treatment over any of the rest. For example, I remember being perplexed at how Timmy was not on PP1 a couple years back on the Marlies over Joey Dusak. I think I am starting to come around to this logic a bit more now.

Who knows what will come from Suthers, but this is a big move for him personally, and one step closer to becoming an option for us in the future. I've also been reading a lot of good reports on Marshall Rafai as well. These signings I used to view as purely minor league deals are no longer the case. Of course there are plenty of those signings that materialize into nothing of note as well, but as we can all see with Bobby McMann right now, you do not need to be the highest producer at the AHL/ECHL level to earn a callup in our organization, nor is it any indication on how you will fair once you earn that callup. It really looks like we are trying to develop depth players in depth roles at all levels now. Which is really encouraging to me. I will pay more attention to Suthers development going forward.

As for players like Johnstone, and Suthers and even Logan Shaw. Although the NHL dream may feel like a ways away at this point, and even though their deals are still minor league deals at this point, you have to be encouraged by what you see in the organization. You have to think these type of success stories are just more motivation to want to get better each day. Do what is expected of you and continually adapt into the role that we need at the NHL level, and there will be a good chance it gets noticed in some capacity.

One very positive aspect about the current Leafs organization, is their usage of all levels like you say, to develop potential players. Once in a while it works... it doesn't always, but it's better than not using it. You sum this up very well.
 
I used to pay very little attention to these type of roster promotions and signings. But as we've seen in the past half decade or so, these guys have been given every bit as much of a chance at making our big club as our affiliated prospects. You look at the likes of Trevor Moore, Bobby McMann, Justin Holl, and Mason Marchment just to name a few. They all either went undrafted, or started with our organization on some sort of loan or Minor League deal. We also don't seem to be giving our top prospects preferential treatment over any of the rest. For example, I remember being perplexed at how Timmy was not on PP1 a couple years back on the Marlies over Joey Dusak. I think I am starting to come around to this logic a bit more now.

Who knows what will come from Suthers, but this is a big move for him personally, and one step closer to becoming an option for us in the future. I've also been reading a lot of good reports on Marshall Rafai as well. These signings I used to view as purely minor league deals are no longer the case. Of course there are plenty of those signings that materialize into nothing of note as well, but as we can all see with Bobby McMann right now, you do not need to be the highest producer at the AHL/ECHL level to earn a callup in our organization, nor is it any indication on how you will fair once you earn that callup. It really looks like we are trying to develop depth players in depth roles at all levels now. Which is really encouraging to me. I will pay more attention to Suthers development going forward.

As for players like Johnstone, and Suthers and even Logan Shaw. Although the NHL dream may feel like a ways away at this point, and even though their deals are still minor league deals at this point, you have to be encouraged by what you see in the organization. You have to think these type of success stories are just more motivation to want to get better each day. Do what is expected of you and continually adapt into the role that we need at the NHL level, and there will be a good chance it gets noticed in some capacity.
Suthers sounds like Curtis Douglas 2.0, at 6'8" and 245 lbs. He had 10 goals in 25 games with the Growlers, so he has some skill. We'll see if he can develop.
 
That was my thought as well, good to balance with some size. Seems like Musty responds well to players' coaches (like Keefe), from what I've heard from people more familiar with Sudbury and their coaching change during his time there.
He's been fantastic since the coaching change.

Unfortunately, even if the Leafs hold onto their 1st rounder, I think Musty is long gone by then. Someone takes him in the 15-20 range. The skill set is too much to pass up.
 
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One of the guys that I liked after the WJC, has unfortunately moved up 8-10 places on the board. David Reinbacher, 6'2" RD from the NL in Switzerland. He was previously listed in the 28-32 range, but is 20 now.

 
Suthers sounds like Curtis Douglas 2.0, at 6'8" and 245 lbs. He had 10 goals in 25 games with the Growlers, so he has some skill. We'll see if he can develop.
Yup, he's far from a guarantee. But I really think if you're Keenan you should be able to see the developmental path that will get you to the show. That much should be crystal clear. We didn't sign you to be a goal scorer. Develop a strong 2-way game, and you will be given every opportunity to make our team in the end.

Part of what has made Bobby McMann stick in the NHL has been his attention to detail in all 3 zones. He's played 6 games thus far and has not registered a point. Yet his play has been overwhelmingly positive IMO. A lot of times what we see with called up players is that they cheat the game a bit to try and make an impact on the scoresheet. It's why a guy like Nick Robertson has failed in a depth role. I guess it is a natural human instinct to want to make an impact and press for offence, but we just don't need that from these guys. We've lost 6 consecutive first round matchups not because we were always the worse team. We lost these series because we made more mistakes then our opponent each time. We don't need depth players to cheat the game. We need hard minutes, and attention to detail.

For a guy like Keenan, you have to look at what Bobby is doing right now and understand that value to us is not always about putting the puck in the net. Play physical, play with pace, be in the right passing and shooting lanes defensively, and be prepared to break out the puck with a high efficiency. If you do all of those things with consistency you will eventually get your chance to showcase it at the highest level. It is why a guy like Pontus Holmberg has basically an endless runway on our team. The offence isn't always there for him either, but he does everything else right with a high rate of efficiency.

Like I said earlier, I am glad that we are developing these role players at all levels. It is an essential part of development. especially when you consider our need to have ELC or league minimum deals on our big club to make the numbers work.
 
Hey all, I'm thinking of going to the Marlies game on February 18 since I'll be in Toronto and I've never been to a Marlies game.

6 people in our group, including a child and a teenager's first pro hockey game.


Any tips? Thanks in advance.
 
Grebyonkin has 20pts in 34GP since being loaned to Amur. That is very impressive production for a young kid in what is widely regarded as the 2nd best league in the world. Not to mention the fact that he is getting regular minutes at this point in his career is also very impressive.

Looking like yet another steal by Dubas and co.
Anyone know how to check how 20 pts in 34 GP for a 19-year-old ranks/compares to other Russian NHLers? Strikes me as pretty remarkable output at that age for the KHL!

Amur are also a third last in GF and a pretty bad team (perhaps explaining the chance he's getting!), so it's not as if he's riding someone's coattails.
 
Anyone know how to check how 20 pts in 34 GP for a 19-year-old ranks/compares to other Russian NHLers? Strikes me as pretty remarkable output at that age for the KHL!

Amur are also a third last in GF and a pretty bad team (perhaps explaining the chance he's getting!), so it's not as if he's riding someone's coattails.

You can also look here, and yes it's as impressive or even more impressive than you think:

 
Hey all, I'm thinking of going to the Marlies game on February 18 since I'll be in Toronto and I've never been to a Marlies game.

6 people in our group, including a child and a teenager's first pro hockey game.


Any tips? Thanks in advance.
Marlies games are fun.

In terms of transportation, not sure what you are taking. By car, there is plenty of either above ground or garage parking and you should be especially fine since there's no Argos/TFC. If you are coming in by GO, the station is right there at the Exhibition. TTC is slightly more of a nuisance, you can take the 509 Harbourfront from Union or 511 Bathurst in from Bathurst, just give yourself some time.

When I went last month, I noticed the line to get in/security was a tad slow, like 10ish minutes, which was slower than usual, so again, leave time.

For seats, there is no bad seat in the house. I personally prefer the view from centre, never really been a behind the net guy and I find at CocaCola Coliseum, there is something about the angle in the corners which really make you feel like you are in the corner. Kind of hard to explain and maybe it is just me. Not that it is a horrible angle or bad seat or anything, I just find I really prefer to be as centred as possible there. Only issue is the price jumps, so if you don't care, you can keep it cheap behind the net.

I think the food there is pretty decent, enough options. Pizza, burgers, fries, poutine, hot dogs, wraps, sandwiches, chicken fingers, burritos, popcorn, candy.

Overall I always find it a fun time. It's easy for me to get to cause I live close, so it is a bit more of a trek if you are coming from far away.
 
Against trading a first for any reason, because the return is ALWAYS a "rental". Some you rent until the playoffs are over...others you rent for the rest of the term on their contracts, after which they always move on or always want more money. My attitude might change after we get a balanced lineup (Tavares retires giving us cap room). In the meantime keep the 1st/2nd rounders for the next retool/rebuild.
 
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Against trading a first for any reason, because the return is ALWAYS a "rental". Some you rent until the playoffs are over...others you rent for the rest of the term on their contracts, after which they always move on or always want more money. My attitude might change after we get a balanced lineup (Tavares retires giving us cap room). In the meantime keep the 1st/2nd rounders for the next retool/rebuild.
You would also hope you could pitch to Marner, Matthews and Nylander that the team's intent is to be competitive for the next 5 - 7 years, and to make that work we are going to keep our high picks, to surround you guys with the talent you'll need to succeed. Oh, and it would help if those three would not try to take the team to the cleaners on their next contracts, but there's no indication that will be the case.
 
Against trading a first for any reason, because the return is ALWAYS a "rental". Some you rent until the playoffs are over...others you rent for the rest of the term on their contracts, after which they always move on or always want more money. My attitude might change after we get a balanced lineup (Tavares retires giving us cap room). In the meantime keep the 1st/2nd rounders for the next retool/rebuild.

I'd easily trade the 1st. for a controlled asset.

For a rental, not so much, although I could see it would be extremely difficult not to do so for say a Kane rental.

The thing is that rental may have a change of heart about going UFA if he feels Toronto is a destination franchise.
 
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