The Toronto Maple Leafs will be keeping a watchful eye on the Toronto Marlies open the Calder Cup Playoffs against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Saturday, but they are also monitoring many in their young prospects still active in the OHL and QMJHL Playoffs.
2015 top pick Mitch Marner continued his impressive performance in the OHL Playoffs, as the 18-year-old scored a goal and three assists in a 7-4 win over the Erie Otters in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final on Wednesday.
Second rounders Travis Dermott and Jeremy Bracco have also enjoyed post-season success. The Erie defenseman has 13 points(3 goals, 10 assists) and trails only Dylan Strome and 2016 eligible Alex Debrincat in scoring, while Bracco led Kitchener with 14 points (3 goals, 11 assists) in nine games before the Rangers eliminated by London last week.
The 19-year-old has signed an amateur tryout contract with the AHL Marlies, but is not expected to see any action in the Calder Cup Playoffs.
Third rounder Martins Dzierkals (Rouyn-Noranda) and fifth round pick Dmytro Timashov (Shawinigan) have both reached the QMJHL Conference Final.
Martins Dzierkals did his thing last night. No hesitation. #Leafs https://t.co/2ojB1QUBcl
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) April 14, 2016
Dzierkals has nine points (3 goals, 6 assists) in nine games, while Timashov has bounced back after a bad second half after being traded by Quebec and is third in league playoff scoring with 17 points (7 goals, 10 assists).
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