Some of the best young talent in the hockey world will be on display in Oshawa, Ontario this weekend, as the 2011 NHL Rookie Tournament gets underway on Saturday.
Rookies from the Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs will take to the ice at the General Motors Centre, looking to make an impact in front of team brass with full training camps just one week away.
The Leafs have several talented prospects set to take place in this year's tournament. Here are the top five players to keep a close eye on:
Jesse Blacker - Defenceman
2010-11 Stats: 10G-44A-54PTS - Owen Sound (OHL)
In his final season with the Owen Sound Attack, Blacker captured the OHL Championship en route to a Memorial Cup appearance. He was a key force in that championship win with 16 points in the post-season. Blacker took several leaps forward in his development, finishing in the top five in scoring among defenceman. The 2009 second round pick is an excellent skater with great puck-moving skills and is dangerous offensively when joining the rush.
Matt Frattin - Winger
2010-11 Stats: 36G-24A-60PTS - U. of North Dakota (WCHA)
In the final game of the 2010-11 regular season against the Montreal Canadiens, Frattin made a good impression on Leafs management, logging 15:34 in ice time and tying Phil Kessel for second on the team in shots (5). The Hobey Baker finalist is a scoring threat off the rush and possesses a blistering shot. Earlier this week, Brian Burke mentioned Frattin's name along with prospects Joe Colborne and Nazem Kadri as being in the mix for the final roster spot this coming season.
Jake Gardiner - Defenceman
2010-11 Stats: 10G-31A-41PTS - U. of Wisconsin (WCHA)
Toronto acquired Gardiner last season along with Joffrey Lupul in a trade that sent Francois Beauchemin to the Anaheim Ducks. Once his college season was over, the highly-coveted Gardiner joined the Toronto Marlies for ten games, picking up three assists. The 6-foot-2 defenceman is a smooth skater and has an effective wrist shot which makes him a strong presence on the power play.
Greg McKegg - Centreman
2010-11 Stats: 49G-43A-92PTS - Erie (OHL)
McKegg was an offensive powerhouse in his first season as captain of the Ontario Hockey League's Erie Otters. The 2010 third round pick set a career-high in goals, and was tied for third in the league in that category alongisde projected 2012 first overall pick Nail Yakupov. McKegg is responsible with the puck, and in addition to playing a high-powered offensive game, he has developed into a solid two-way player with Erie.
Brad Ross - Winger
2010-11 Stats: 31G-38A-69PTS w/ 171 PIM - Portland (WHL)
Burke has never been shy about his affinity for truculence and grit, which Ross has in large supply. The 2010 second round draft pick is a fierce competitor on the ice, never afraid to drop the gloves and get dirty in the corners. Unlike most gritty players, Ross also has a scoring touch. The 19-year old winger was fourth on the Portland Winter Hawks in goals last season, behind three very notable NHL prospects, Nino Niederreiter, Ryan Johansen and Sven Bartschi.
Honourable Mention: Tyler Brenner, Jamie Devane, Josh Nicholls, Mark Owuya, Stuart Percy
Jerry D'Amigo will not take part in this weekend's rookie tournament due to issues with his back. The former Kitchener Rangers forward is expected to take part in the Leafs' training camp set to open next weekend.
The Leafs get the 2011 NHL rookie tournament underway on Saturday at 7PM ET as they take on the Chicago Blackhawks. Games can be seen live on Rogers TV, and tape delayed 30 minutes later on the Leafs' official site.
For up-to-the-minute Leafs news and updates, be sure to follow Ken Beckett on Twitter @KenBeckett 
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