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

[Judas Tavares]

I went to both Marlies games this weekend. What a difference in level of play from one game to the next. Marlies looked like a well-oiled machine Friday and like they didn't care Saturday.

You can tell Abruzzese has found his game and confidence at that level. For sure one of the most skilled guys on the ice and he's able to outskill his opponents. He made a ton of smart passes. I think he has an NHL career ahead of him, just depends if it is with the Leafs or not.

With SDA, you can see he hasn't put up nearly as many points since he was called up. I felt in the first game, he played a safe game while his skills were on display. Kind of like a slow cerebral game with the ability to run and navigate the offensive zone. The second game he made riskier plays that became turnovers.

McMann had the same motor he had in the NHL, but down at that level you could really see the skill shining. He has low key great hands. I think by the end of the year, the AHL will be too easy for him, so interesting to see if his skills can transfer.

Steeves was very vanilla but it was a good vanilla. I wouldn't say he looked overly skilled, but he just made the right plays at the right time. He should get a shot at some point.

For someone who looked good in the NHL, Holmberg wasn't too noticeable. Maybe at this point he feels he is an established NHLer and that was just ice time. But for someone who has NHL experience and has made good of it, I wanted him to be the best player on the ice and he wasn't.

Woll looked great. He wasn't overly tested as Laval was awful on Friday, but he had great position and was calm in net. It was impressive. Petruzzelli on the other hand, looked like he was swimming a lot. His team did not help him one bit, but he was a bit all over the place. I think that was an issue for Woll when he had his first taste in the AHL.

Villeneuve and Hoffenmeyer were both steady in the first game. Nothing standout, but steady. Game 2 it was honestly tough to get a read on the defence as a whole, but it wasn't good.

Otherwise, Gaudette showed good hustle. Rifai had some moments. Hunt had a couple moments but nothing much overall. Abramov scored on a nice tip, but otherwise he did not stand out. His development to me has been disappointing.

 

[ManosArriba]

It certainly didnt appear that way yesterday with how awful they played.

 

[The Iceman]

Mentions Wall sent down for cap reasons.
With the team being in LTIR that wouldn't be the case would it?

 

[SprDaVE]

Leafs are typically active to sign NCAA free agents, but they usually sign players that aren't overly coveted.

McKown to me is probably the more interesting one.

Five NCAA free agent targets for the Toronto Maple Leafs

The NCAA playoffs are still a while away, but things are starting to r...

theleafsnation.com

 

[MarMarSab3]

They all seem like good gambles, we need to clear some contracts

 

[acrobaticgoalie]

Leafs are typically active to sign NCAA free agents, but they typically sign players that aren't overly coveted.

McKown to me is probably the more interesting one.

Five NCAA free agent targets for the Toronto Maple Leafs

The NCAA playoffs are still a while away, but things are starting to r...

theleafsnation.com

Polin seems like a perfect fit for our system. Speed, hands and a an ability to score with his shot. Just noticed Schingoethe plays on his team. What a disappointment his development has been. Was hoping he could develop into a komorov type.

Mckown sounds like another Kressler type that you could develop for a bottom 6 specialist.

 

[Twine Tickler]

You can tell Abruzzese has found his game and confidence at that level. For sure one of the most skilled guys on the ice and he's able to outskill his opponents. He made a ton of smart passes. I think he has an NHL career ahead of him, just depends if it is with the Leafs or not.

Honestly this is one of the least surprising developments of the year IMO. When Nick was about to leave Harvard last season there was some really nice articles written about him. The one overarching theme behind every one of those articles was Nick's persistence, borderline obsession to learn and improve his game away from the ice. To the point where his coaches at Harvard had to tell him to take a break on the film sessions.

I think what we saw last season and early this season was Nick adjusting to the pace and physicality of the pro game. Every now and again you'd see some real flashes of brilliance from him, but it would always be accompanied by him being 1 or 2 steps behind in another play. I am not shocked at all that he's seemingly found a balance and consistency. He is a very intelligent player. I do believe he will be an NHL player as well, but as you have already alluded to, it may or may not be for the Leafs at this point.

nonetheless, I am really happy to see him start to flourish at the Pro level.

 

[aingefan]

Honestly this is one of the least surprising developments of the year IMO. When Nick was about to leave Harvard last season there was some really nice articles written about him. The one overarching theme behind every one of those articles was Nick's persistence, borderline obsession to learn and improve his game away from the ice. To the point where his coaches at Harvard had to tell him to take a break on the film sessions.

I think what we saw last season and early this season was Nick adjusting to the pace and physicality of the pro game. Every now and again you'd see some real flashes of brilliance from him, but it would always be accompanied by him being 1 or 2 steps behind in another play. I am not shocked at all that he's seemingly found a balance and consistency. He is a very intelligent player. I do believe he will be an NHL player as well, but as you have already alluded to, it may or may not be for the Leafs at this point.

nonetheless, I am really happy to see him start to flourish at the Pro level.

Honestly this is one of the least surprising developments of the year IMO. When Nick was about to leave Harvard last season there was some really nice articles written about him. The one overarching theme behind every one of those articles was Nick's persistence, borderline obsession to learn and improve his game away from the ice. To the point where his coaches at Harvard had to tell him to take a break on the film sessions.

I think what we saw last season and early this season was Nick adjusting to the pace and physicality of the pro game. Every now and again you'd see some real flashes of brilliance from him, but it would always be accompanied by him being 1 or 2 steps behind in another play. I am not shocked at all that he's seemingly found a balance and consistency. He is a very intelligent player. I do believe he will be an NHL player as well, but as you have already alluded to, it may or may not be for the Leafs at this point.

nonetheless, I am really happy to see him start to flourish at the Pro level.

Guy has eyes in the back and side of his head, and hands to match.
How’s his two way game?
He doesn’t get much mention, but you could easily see his skills complimenting either of the top two pairs, and as a 2nd unit pp option.
As early as next year?

 

[Al14]

Wrong thread!

 

[Twine Tickler]

Guy has eyes in the back and side of his head, and hands to match.
How’s his two way game?
He doesn’t get much mention, but you could easily see his skills complimenting either of the top two pairs, and as a 2nd unit pp option.
As early as next year?

Honestly I think there are other people on this forum that are better suited to answer thes particular questions. I didn't subscribe o AHL TV this year, so I haven't been able to see his game evolve. I have just read really positive things about him lately. I have always been impressed with his game though. I thought he was one of the standouts for the US at the Olympics last year and there were some real flashes of vision in his brief stint with the big boys last year. Couple that with all the reports on his IQ and work ethic, I've just always been a fan and believer

 

[The Iceman]

We always talk about top prospects.
With the team at 49 contracts who might be the bottom 5 under contract that might be under consideration to be unloaded?

 

[aingefan]

We always talk about top prospects.
With the team at 49 contracts who might be the bottom 5 under contract that might be under consideration to be unloaded?

There’s a bunch of guys on one year deals who might not be re-upped. From the Marlies, that might include Gaudette, Hollowell, Dahlstrom, Mete, Kallgren, Hunt.
SDA doesn’t require waivers yet, neither does Abramov. They might have enough upside to hold some value, probably the two Marlies I could see moved. Gogolev is probably the dead-weightiest guy with a year left.
Already 6-8 guys signed who might make their way to the A next depending on what happens with the Russian kids signed.

 

[Twine Tickler]

We always talk about top prospects.
With the team at 49 contracts who might be the bottom 5 under contract that might be under consideration to be unloaded?

Honestly The top prospects that I can see being moved, and the ones that make the most sense to be moved are:

Top tier:
Topi Niemela

Mid Tier:
Nick Abruzzese

Bottom Tier:
SDA
Mikko Kokkonen
Mikey Koster
Veeti Miettenen
Filip Kral

for the record, I like most of these players but I do see them as a bit expendable. I know it may sound shocking to have Niemela on this list, and it is not because I am viewing his statistical output this season as regression. I just feel like we have a really solid 1-2 combo on the right side for the foreseeable future in Liljegren and Timmons. Add Brodie to that list and there is a bit of a log jam at RD. Of course injuries always occur, but I just feel like Niemela's value as a prospect might exceed his value as an NHL'er. Especially if we can only give him limited opportunities. I love the player, and I'd be happy to hold onto him, he's just the main piece I'd part with in a big splash move for a player with term.

Abruzzese is similar to Niemela in the sense that I see him being a very useful NHL'er at some point, but maybe not a gamebreaker. Kind of an Alex Kerfoot 2.0. I think he has value league wide, and similar to Niemela, his value as a prospect likely exceeds what he will achieve as an NHL'er. He could be a decent piece to dangle at the deadline.

The rest of the men I listed are kind of throw in prospects I can see being dealt. Again, I like most of them on the list, but they all don't have the longest runway in TOR. I think the one player I'd be a bit hesitant in letting go out of that bunch is Koster. I'm curious to see what we could do with him when/if we ever were to get full control on his development. ie. with the marlies/growlers

 

[Byron Bitz]

Honestly The top prospects that I can see being moved, and the ones that make the most sense to be moved are:

Top tier:
Topi Niemela

Mid Tier:
Nick Abruzzese

Bottom Tier:
SDA
Mikko Kokkonen
Mikey Koster
Veeti Miettenen
Filip Kral

for the record, I like most of these players but I do see them as a bit expendable. I know it may sound shocking to have Niemela on this list, and it is not because I am viewing his statistical output this season as regression. I just feel like we have a really solid 1-2 combo on the right side for the foreseeable future in Liljegren and Timmons. Add Brodie to that list and there is a bit of a log jam at RD. Of course injuries always occur, but I just feel like Niemela's value as a prospect might exceed his value as an NHL'er. Especially if we can only give him limited opportunities. I love the player, and I'd be happy to hold onto him, he's just the main piece I'd part with in a big splash move for a player with term.

Abruzzese is similar to Niemela in the sense that I see him being a very useful NHL'er at some point, but maybe not a gamebreaker. Kind of an Alex Kerfoot 2.0. I think he has value league wide, and similar to Niemela, his value as a prospect likely exceeds what he will achieve as an NHL'er. He could be a decent piece to dangle at the deadline.

The rest of the men I listed are kind of throw in prospects I can see being dealt. Again, I like most of them on the list, but they all don't have the longest runway in TOR. I think the one player I'd be a bit hesitant in letting go out of that bunch is Koster. I'm curious to see what we could do with him when/if we ever were to get full control on his development. ie. with the marlies/growlers

I’m not as sold on Timmins, I see Niemela as Brodie’s replacement down the line.

 

[notbias]

Honestly The top prospects that I can see being moved, and the ones that make the most sense to be moved are:

Top tier:
Topi Niemela

Mid Tier:
Nick Abruzzese

Bottom Tier:
SDA
Mikko Kokkonen
Mikey Koster
Veeti Miettenen
Filip Kral

for the record, I like most of these players but I do see them as a bit expendable. I know it may sound shocking to have Niemela on this list, and it is not because I am viewing his statistical output this season as regression. I just feel like we have a really solid 1-2 combo on the right side for the foreseeable future in Liljegren and Timmons. Add Brodie to that list and there is a bit of a log jam at RD. Of course injuries always occur, but I just feel like Niemela's value as a prospect might exceed his value as an NHL'er. Especially if we can only give him limited opportunities. I love the player, and I'd be happy to hold onto him, he's just the main piece I'd part with in a big splash move for a player with term.

Abruzzese is similar to Niemela in the sense that I see him being a very useful NHL'er at some point, but maybe not a gamebreaker. Kind of an Alex Kerfoot 2.0. I think he has value league wide, and similar to Niemela, his value as a prospect likely exceeds what he will achieve as an NHL'er. He could be a decent piece to dangle at the deadline.

The rest of the men I listed are kind of throw in prospects I can see being dealt. Again, I like most of them on the list, but they all don't have the longest runway in TOR. I think the one player I'd be a bit hesitant in letting go out of that bunch is Koster. I'm curious to see what we could do with him when/if we ever were to get full control on his development. ie. with the marlies/growlers

I love what I see from Kral every time he plays. I think he takes over for Gio when he is done.

 

[Twine Tickler]

I’m not as sold on Timmins, I see Niemela as Brodie’s replacement down the line.

Fair enough. I think I am a bit higher on Timmins then I probably should be. To me, a 6'02 Right shot defensemen with a strong first pass and ability to read the ice is just too much to overlook. He is still a bit raw, I'll give you that. But I think I attribute most of that to him not being able to play as many pro games as your typical 2017 draft pick. He's only played just over 110 games at the pro level in 4 pro seasons and he also missed the entire season 2018-19 season. This was a guy that was a stud coming out of junior, and had the draft pedigree to back it up as well. I honestly think he might end up being Dubas' finest piece of work in the end.

He's gotta take some steps for sure, but I see enough in him to become a real steady option for us down the line. I know he's not as tall, or as physical yet, but I get really strong Cody Franson vibes from Connor. Someone who can be a really solid 2nd pairing guy for us down the line.

Also, my rationale on making Niemela available is also because how I view Lilly. As most of us who frequent this section of our board know, this kid is an absolute stud, and always has been. I really don't think we've seen anywhere close to his full capabilities yet TBH. He is going to be our Rasmus Anderson for years and years to come. I am really high on Timmy. I genuinely think he is our best defensemen overall already.

Again, I'm not moving Topi for nothing. It has to be a player with 2 or more playoff runs minimum. The player we get in return would also have to be a player that puts us in that next level of contender. If we are aquiring a difference maker like the one I am describing it will cost a top prospect, picks and a roster player. Knies is untouchable, Robertson's value is lower then it should be, and Rodian may never play again. Topi unfortunately is the only other option that fills the mold of top prospect.

Love the player, but business is business. I used to get super attached to prospects, and I remember reading somewhere in this thread a while back that the reality of the matter is that not all of our prospects will: A) make the NHL B) Make the NHL as a Leaf. Sounds very clearly obvious, but the second part stuck with me. The person elaborated by saying, a lot of our prospects who are tracking well and who are destined to NHL careers unfortunately won't have the landing spots in the lineup when they are ripe. Robertson is a prime example of this. In many other markets he is an NHL regular already. From that point on, I started to view prospects as assets, and place fillers to vacancies in our current and long term lineups. Which is why I see Topi as more expendable then our other prospects. Nothing against him or his development till this point.

 

[showtime8]

Fair enough. I think I am a bit higher on Timmins then I probably should be. To me, a 6'02 Right shot defensemen with a strong first pass and ability to read the ice is just too much to overlook. He is still a bit raw, I'll give you that. But I think I attribute most of that to him not being able to play as many pro games as your typical 2017 draft pick. He's only played just over 110 games at the pro level in 4 pro seasons and he also missed the entire season 2018-19 season. This was a guy that was a stud coming out of junior, and had the draft pedigree to back it up as well. I honestly think he might end up being Dubas' finest piece of work in the end.

He's gotta take some steps for sure, but I see enough in him to become a real steady option for us down the line. I know he's not as tall, or as physical yet, but I get really strong Cody Franson vibes from Connor. Someone who can be a really solid 2nd pairing guy for us down the line.

Also, my rationale on making Niemela available is also because how I view Lilly. As most of us who frequent this section of our board know, this kid is an absolute stud, and always has been. I really don't think we've seen anywhere close to his full capabilities yet TBH. He is going to be our Rasmus Anderson for years and years to come. I am really high on Timmy. I genuinely think he is our best defensemen overall already.

Again, I'm not moving Topi for nothing. It has to be a player with 2 or more playoff runs minimum. The player we get in return would also have to be a player that puts us in that next level of contender. If we are aquiring a difference maker like the one I am describing it will cost a top prospect, picks and a roster player. Knies is untouchable, Robertson's value is lower then it should be, and Rodian may never play again. Topi unfortunately is the only other option that fills the mold of top prospect.

Love the player, but business is business. I used to get super attached to prospects, and I remember reading somewhere in this thread a while back that the reality of the matter is that not all of our prospects will: A) make the NHL B) Make the NHL as a Leaf. Sounds very clearly obvious, but the second part stuck with me. The person elaborated by saying, a lot of our prospects who are tracking well and who are destined to NHL careers unfortunately won't have the landing spots in the lineup when they are ripe. Robertson is a prime example of this. In many other markets he is an NHL regular already. From that point on, I started to view prospects as assets, and place fillers to vacancies in our current and long term lineups. Which is why I see Topi as more expendable then our other prospects. Nothing against him or his development till this point.

Agree with the Timmins take here.

I would have hoped that they could have used the same path for Timmins as they did with Justin Holl. Holl was a 2nd round pick and there was obviously something that the Leafs viewed as translating to the NHL game. But it took him essentially 1 full year in the ECHL, 3 in the AHL, before he was getting full time minutes with the Leafs.

For Timmins, there's two things working against him that change his development. Where the Leafs are in terms of competing for a championship doesn't allow him to come in and learn from his mistakes. There's too much on the line for a team to gamble on him developing and seeing what he can do. Holl had the chance to come in when there were no expectations. The other element is, there's no way that they can shelter him for that experience. You essentially need him to come in and play top 4 minutes.

 

[TMLAM34]

Polin seems like a perfect fit for our system. Speed, hands and a an ability to score with his shot. Just noticed Schingoethe plays on his team. What a disappointment his development has been. Was hoping he could develop into a komorov type.

Mckown sounds like another Kressler type that you could develop for a bottom 6 specialist.

Polin would be a solid addition.

 

[stickty111]

Grebenkin assist

 

[daethfromabove1979]

Grebenkin assist

Dude is on fire, time to trade him at the deadline!

 

[Leafs1991]

Guy has eyes in the back and side of his head, and hands to match.
How’s his two way game?
He doesn’t get much mention, but you could easily see his skills complimenting either of the top two pairs, and as a 2nd unit pp option.
As early as next year?

I still think his skating needs to improve based on his play with the Leafs. I think that will be the only thing that can hold him back to me.

 

[fahad203]

Honestly The top prospects that I can see being moved, and the ones that make the most sense to be moved are:

Top tier:
Topi Niemela

Mid Tier:
Nick Abruzzese

Bottom Tier:
SDA
Mikko Kokkonen
Mikey Koster
Veeti Miettenen
Filip Kral

for the record, I like most of these players but I do see them as a bit expendable. I know it may sound shocking to have Niemela on this list, and it is not because I am viewing his statistical output this season as regression. I just feel like we have a really solid 1-2 combo on the right side for the foreseeable future in Liljegren and Timmons. Add Brodie to that list and there is a bit of a log jam at RD. Of course injuries always occur, but I just feel like Niemela's value as a prospect might exceed his value as an NHL'er. Especially if we can only give him limited opportunities. I love the player, and I'd be happy to hold onto him, he's just the main piece I'd part with in a big splash move for a player with term.

Abruzzese is similar to Niemela in the sense that I see him being a very useful NHL'er at some point, but maybe not a gamebreaker. Kind of an Alex Kerfoot 2.0. I think he has value league wide, and similar to Niemela, his value as a prospect likely exceeds what he will achieve as an NHL'er. He could be a decent piece to dangle at the deadline.

The rest of the men I listed are kind of throw in prospects I can see being dealt. Again, I like most of them on the list, but they all don't have the longest runway in TOR. I think the one player I'd be a bit hesitant in letting go out of that bunch is Koster. I'm curious to see what we could do with him when/if we ever were to get full control on his development. ie. with the marlies/growlers

Is Topi really tier 1?
I admit I haven't seen much of him. So I can't really judge
But based on WJC last summer, he wasn't that good at all in my eyes

 

[diehardleafsfan9878]

Is Topi really tier 1?
I admit I haven't seen much of him. So I can't really judge
But based on WJC last summer, he wasn't that good at all in my eyes

Didn't he win the best defenseman award in the last world juniors? Or the 1 before that?

 

[fahad203]

Didn't he win the best defenseman award in the last world juniors? Or the 1 before that?

It was the one before that. He had a banner year both in league and wjc..

Again I haven't seen much of him but since that year his numbers have dropped rapidly

That was the covid year when foreign players weren't playing in Finland. Not much how much that contributed

 

[ACC1224]

Maple Leafs prospect update: Hayley Wickenheiser breaks down 10 of the team’s top prospects

Some prospect info .

No mention of Woll, is he no longer considered a prospect?