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World Junior Thread II

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Lol Caufield
His turnovers and bad defensive play might outweigh his offensive game.
 
IrishInOntario said:
I would like a big, dominant, Canadian defenseman one of these days. One can dream. They're hard to find.
Click to expand...

Got me thinking as it has been a while since the Leafs had a prospect that fits those particular criteria.

The most recent defenceman who played for Canada drafted by Toronto I can recall and their current listed size were:

2016 - Travis Dermott (205)
2013 - Morgan Rielly (219)
2008 - Luke Schenn (227)

Schenn was draft eligible at his WJC and was drafted by the Leafs after the tournament. Dermott and Rielly are not small, but Schenn is likely the only one amongst that group that was a physically dominating player in that tournament.

I would also give an honourable mention to 2009 WJC player Keith Aulie who while drafted by Calgary, came to Toronto before playing any NHL games (albeit after participating in the WJC). At 6'6, he played with 6'9 Tyler Myers forming one of the best defensive pairings I can recall (Marc Staal and Ryan Parent also come to mind).

Prior to this, I will always remember the 2001-2003 window when it seemed like plenty of Leafs were represented on team Canada. These included:

2001-2002 - Jay Harrison (222)
2002-2003 - Carlo Colaiacovo (202)
2003 - Brendan Bell (210)
2003 - Ian White (200) - injured for 2004 team

The only first round pick in Colaiacovo had some major injury issues. Bell ended up winning CHL defenceman of the year.

That 2003 team also featured Matt Stajan, Kyle Wellwood and ultimate future Leafs in Jay McClement, Joffrey Lupul, PA Parenteau and Brooks Laich.
 
having a lot of representation at the world juniors is great, but especially since they're all doing well and most are playing key roles. Here is how I would rank them so far:

1) Amirov
He's playing a key role for a top team, and he is really good at everything. He could stand to improve his finishing a bit, but he's so good at getting into scoring areas that I'm sure it will come for him. His play away from the puck is very impressive for such a skilled player

2) Abramov
I might have had him #1 if he played against Germany. He's a dynamic offensive threat every time he's on the ice, and his transition game is so strong.

3) Niemela
His production is too good to ignore. Some of it is luck, but he's not the leading defensive scorer by accident. He's incredibly smart and makes the right play pretty much all the time. He's also physically engaged and very reliable in his own end.

4) Hirvonen
Another really strong performance from a key contributor on a semi-finalist. He's on the top line for a reason. If he was our best prospect in the tournament, I'd be pretty happy with that. He's very involved in the play and is incredibly smart and effective.

5) Kokkonen
A bit disappointing in terms of production, but he's as advertised. He is a steady player.

6) Akhtyamov
Only played 1 game so it's hard to have him higher than 6th, but he was good in it
 
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They play like they played against Finland and they should be fine. Shoot high on Askarov and get some screens. I kind of expect really high tempo and excellent game from these two like usual.
 
I'm cheering for canada to win but if russia somehow beats them i wont be as upset as i would be other years, especially if amirov or abramov have big games.
 
Cozens may be an NHL MVP type player with more upside as much faster but similar game to Stone. Smart fast tough big strong clutch goal scorer with a defensive game. What would it cost to pick him up from Sabres. He is ready now. He will play with Hall and Eichel.
and Canada's goalie is a true gamer. Levi is so calm in net and makes everything look easy. He could be a nice trade pickup for our Leafs.
and either Newhook or Krebs what an upgrade for 3rd line centre.
Those are 4 guys we should target. They will all play in NHL and have impacts.
 
JT AM da real deal said:
Cozens may be an NHL MVP type player with more upside as much faster but similar game to Stone. Smart fast tough big strong clutch goal scorer with a defensive game. What would it cost to pick him up from Sabres. He is ready now. He will play with Hall and Eichel.
and Canada's goalie is a true gamer. Levi is so calm in net and makes everything look easy. He could be a nice trade pickup for our Leafs.
and either Newhook or Krebs what an upgrade for 3rd line centre.
Those are 4 guys we should target. They will all play in NHL and have impacts.
Click to expand...

What is the old adage? If you have to ask what the price is, you aren't going to like it? Very few teams trade away such prospects these days.

You know who I'd like drafted in 2021? That Finnish C, Helenius... I think that kid is going to make a good NHL 3C, and at 6'6" he would add an element we lack.

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1838744643557
 
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We got da tough matchup. It was bound to happen with lopsided draw. I think you have 2 best teams in tourney going tonight. Like Canada but it is very close. Better goaler tonight likely wins it.
 
CantLoseWithMatthews said:
having a lot of representation at the world juniors is great, but especially since they're all doing well and most are playing key roles. Here is how I would rank them so far:

1) Amirov
He's playing a key role for a top team, and he is really good at everything. He could stand to improve his finishing a bit, but he's so good at getting into scoring areas that I'm sure it will come for him. His play away from the puck is very impressive for such a skilled player

2) Abramov
I might have had him #1 if he played against Germany. He's a dynamic offensive threat every time he's on the ice, and his transition game is so strong.

3) Niemela
His production is too good to ignore. Some of it is luck, but he's not the leading defensive scorer by accident. He's incredibly smart and makes the right play pretty much all the time. He's also physically engaged and very reliable in his own end.

4) Hirvonen
Another really strong performance from a key contributor on a semi-finalist. He's on the top line for a reason. If he was our best prospect in the tournament, I'd be pretty happy with that. He's very involved in the play and is incredibly smart and effective.

5) Kokkonen
A bit disappointing in terms of production, but he's as advertised. He is a steady player.

6) Akhtyamov
Only played 1 game so it's hard to have him higher than 6th, but he was good in it
Click to expand...
Great analysis. Agreed with it all.
 
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Who else is in the running for top defenseman of the tournament besides Niemela? I assume he'll have to make it to the final to win it and could be a lock if so.
 
daethfromabove1979 said:
Who else is in the running for top defenseman of the tournament besides Niemela? I assume he'll have to make it to the final to win it and could be a lock if so.
Click to expand...
Byram, York, Drysdale, Heinola are probably the best remaining defensemen other than him. I think Niemela's been the best of the bunch so far though
 
daethfromabove1979 said:
Who else is in the running for top defenseman of the tournament besides Niemela? I assume he'll have to make it to the final to win it and could be a lock if so.
Click to expand...

Byram, York and Drysdale. Although Niemela may get the voting benefit of being on the worst team and at this point is the highest scoring D. Drysdale and Byram may split the Canadian bias votes.
 
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