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The Toronto Maple Leafs management and coaching staff were well represented at the 2017 World Junior Summer Showcase in Plymouth, MI on Wednesday and treated to an impressive performance by 2017 first rounder Timothy Liljegren.
Leafs Head Coach Mike Babcock, Assistant GM Mark Hunter and Assistant Coach D.J. Smith were on hand to scout prospects for the 2018 NHL Draft vying for the World Junior squads for Canada, the United States, Finland and Sweden, as well as monitor youngsters already in the Toronto pipeline, such as Liljegren, 2017 second rounder Eemeli Rasanen and 2016 selections Joseph Woll and JD Greenway.
The #Leafs triumvirate of Mike Babcock, Mark Hunter & DJ Smith at the WJC Summer Showcase in Plymouth, MI. pic.twitter.com/OkOWRPAHXE
— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) August 2, 2017
The 18-year-old Swedish blueliner, who was ranked at the top of the European skaters list by NHL Central Scouting last summer, slipped to 17th overall at the NHL Draft in Chicago.
With potential 2018 top pick Rasmus Dahlin out due to an illness, Liljegren and Philadelphia draft pick Linus Hogberg were Tre Kronor’s top defensive pairing and the Leafs first round pick displayed some impressive skating and puck rushing ability.
#Leafs fans will start salivating when they see Liljegren's puck rushing ability. pic.twitter.com/5JQaSdXYGO
— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) August 2, 2017
Liljegren handled point duties on the Swedish power play and also showed a bit of feistiness near the end of the game, exchanging hits with US forward Kieffer Bellows.
Rasanen played for Finland in a 6-5 loss to Canada on Wednesday and was -1 on the day.
Woll made 27 saves in a 2-1 loss to Canada on Tuesday and did not play against the Swedes, as Team USA used Keith Petruzzelli and Dylan St. Cyr in goal.
More Liljegren, a good defensive play and his skating ability creates an offensive chance. #Leafs pic.twitter.com/VqLaiJ59oH
— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) August 2, 2017
Greenway was a late addition to the US roster and had a rough go in his second game, which will likely hurt his chances to make the American squad for the upcoming World Junior Championship in Buffalo, NY in December.
The 6’5…, 210 lb. Wisconsin Badgers sophomore was on the ice for New York Rangers prospect Lias Andersson’s goal and took three minor penalties.
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