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Top 10 Prospects: Toronto Maple Leafs |
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While unable to use two straight Top 10 Picks following the infamous deal for Phil Kessel, Brian Burke and his staff have been hard at work stocking the cupboards regardless. Utilizing trades, College and European free agents, and shrewd picks of his own, Toronto has amassed an above-average prospect pool. Most noticeably a group of talented two-way defenders on the back end, depth in goal, and a plethora of hard working Top Nine-upside forwards, Leaf fans everywhere are hoping to see some cheaper and potentially better options for their rebuilding group will surface over the next year or so.
1. Morgan Rielly, Defense
Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL
5th Overall, 2012
6'0, 195 lbs
An elite level skater, Rielly pushes the pace from the back end. Explosive and mobile, Rielly can turn on a dime and shake defenders like it's his job. He's a top end passer, with tremendous vision that can burn defensive systems on the powerplay or at even strength. A typical PP QB, Morgan can make those around him better. And to add to his tremendous offensive game, he utilizes his mobility and strong positioning with an active stick to help out defensively.
Upside: Top Pairing Offensive Defenseman
NHL Comparable: Erik Karlsson
2. Nazem Kadri, Center/Wing
Toronto Marlies, AHL
7th Overall, 2009
6'0, 188 lbs
Nazem possesses NHL skill, and has showcased his abilities to both pass and shoot the puck well in brief stints with the Leafs. A slick skater, Kadri will need to improve his foot speed shoot he ever desire to be a top end player, however, he utilizes top end vision and playmaking to put the puck wherever he wants to. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and can be a mean little prick when he wants to be. Ready to make the jump on skill alone, Nazem doesn't have the strength to do the things he wants to do at the NHL Level. Should he ever grow out of his 12 year old boy's body, Toronto could have a player.
Upside: Top Six Offensive Forward
NHL Comparable: Mike Ribeiro
3. Joe Colborne, Center
Toronto Marlies, AHL
17th Overall, 2008
6'6, 220 lbs
A big man, who's continuing to grow, Colborne started the season as the talk of Toronto, lighting up the AHL. His season came undone midway through, as a serious wrist injury effected him for the rest of the season. In fact, many would say he became slightly useless down the stretch. Jumbo Joe will need to pack on the pounds (he eats 6 times a day, but can still barely gain weight), as his game at the NHL level will depend on chipping and chasing pucks, utilizing his size to cycle the puck down low. He's a mobile guy for someone of his size, and can thread passes real well with an underused shot.
Upside: Top Six Center
NHL Comparable: Patrick Berglund
4. Jesse Blacker, Defense
Toronto Marlies, AHL
58th Overall, 2009
6'2, 200 lbs
A gifted skater, Jesse moves the puck from the back end by skating it or moving it with a quick pass. What many would call a 'gamer', Jesse gets better as the game gets tougher. Known for looking for big open ice hits, Blacker relishes the physical side of the game. He brings a cannon of a shot from the point offensively to his game as well. Slowly learning to calm his game, he's been known to chase at times defensively, but has grown in that regard over the past two years. Jesse found himself in and out of the Marlies deep lineup with injuries over the past season, as well.
Upside: Top Four Two-Way Defenseman
NHL Comparable: Kevin Bieksa
5. Matt Finn, Defense
Guelph Storm, OHL
35th Overall, 2012
6'0, 195 lbs
Guelph's top defenseman, and one of the better scoring Dmen in the OHL this past year, Finn played a ton of minutes and was a big name around the rink. At times, it seemed like he was playing upwards of 35 minutes a night. A defender who will need to get stronger long term, Finn is smart defender who uses his IQ, passing ability and the ability to find open ice on the PP to QB it. Defensively he has the ability to keep defenders to the outside with his positioning and stick, stripping them of the puck before transitioning it. He struggles along the boards for puck battles, however.
Upside: Second Pairing Two-Way Defender
NHL Comparable: Dan Girardi
6. Carter Ashton, Left Wing
Toronto Marlies, AHL
29th Overall, 2009
6'3, 215 lbs
A big boy for the Leafs, Ashton came over in the Keith Aulie deal, and saw some NHL time. A mobile skater, Ashton will need work on the mechanics of his skating but gets around the ice well. He gets the puck deep and cycles it well using his size and strength. He's a big body who has the ability to score in tight and be a PP option long term because of that ability. Defensively Ashton is very strong, having grown into a reliable PK'er over the past few years.
Upside: Top Nine Power Winger, with PP/PK Time
NHL Comparable: Ryan Malone with better wheels
7. Tyler Biggs, Left Wing
University of Miami, NCAA
22nd Overall, 2011
6'3, 220 lbs
Big and mean, Biggs relishes his role. He opens space for his linemates and compliments two skilled players because of his crash and bang style. His hockey sense is a bit low and he has trouble creating his own offense, however, he brings a big booming shot when he gets open. He skates well and gets the net in a hurry, cashing in on loose change. He won't back down from a fight and seems to enjoy that side of the game, as well as being a big time hitter.
Upside: Top Nine Complimentary Power Winger
NHL Comparable: Mike Knuble
8. Stuart Percy, Defense
Mississauga Steelheads, OHL
25th Overall, 2011
6'1, 190 lbs
Steady as she goes is the best way to talk about Percy. Percy is a smart defender who can move the puck well, and find open men with crisp passes. He's not the type of defender to wow, more of a reliable type who can play in a multitude of situations. Defensively he takes away options and plays a simple game. He's ran into some injury issues this year, which have some concerns to his durability.
Upside: Second Pairing Two-Way Defenseman
NHL Comparable: Paul Martin
9. Brad Ross, AHL
Portland Winterhawks, WHL
43rd Overall, 2010
6'1, 185 lbs
Brad Ross is a mean prick, and a dirty one. He crosses the line on a multitude of occasions. He hates losing, more than he likes winning. He's got a dirty reputation, but has been an effective scorer in junior. He goes hard to dirty areas and fights through checks, often looking to bruise up a teammate. He gets in the face of opponents, and can draw a lot of penalties because of how much he talks. He plays an adept defensive game and will likely need to find a role as a pest with PK time in a team's bottom six.
Upside: Third Line Shift Disturber
NHL Comparable: Matt Cooke
10. Ben Scrivens, Goalie
Toronto Marlies, AHL
Undrafted UFA
6'2, 195 lbs
Tall and lanky, some think Ben can look a little small in net with his crouch. He fights through screens and is a battler in net, relying on positioning with some last minute athleticism to save him. He can move the puck well for a goalie, as he's a strong skater who can get out of his net quick. He pops out of the butterfly quick, and shows a good understanding of the play developing.
Upside: 40 Game Goalie
NHL Comparable: James Reimer
System Graduates: Jake Gardiner, Matt Frattin
Honorable Mentions: Jerry D'Amigo, Greg McKegg
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