Toronto Maple Leafs prospects get their first taste of game action at the annual rookie tournament, as the face the Chicago Blackhawks rookies at Budweiser Gardens in London, ON Saturday night.
The club consists of 14 Toronto draft choices, including 2011 first rounder Tyler Biggs, OHL Red Tilson Trophy winner Connor Brown, Memorial Cup finalist Matt Finn, 2013 top pick Frederik Gauthier and William Nylander, the eighth overall selection at the 2014 Entry Draft, along with an assortment of free agent signings and invitees.
#Leafs first rounders Tyler Biggs and William Nylander anxious to step on the ice at Budweiser Gardens in London. pic.twitter.com/r1j9lfTIUx
— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) September 13, 2014Leafs Team President Brendan Shanahan and new Assistant GM Kyle Dubas will be on hand to get a look at the club’s prospects.
“It’s a chance for them to open some eyes up, certainly some new eyes in the management group and it will be the first time seeing these guys.… Marlies head coach Gord Dineen said after the game day skate on Saturday.
Dineen(who served as an assistant to Dallas Eakins and Steve Spott the last five seasons), associate coach Derek King and assistant Ben Simon plan to just let the kids play and show off their natural abilities to start with.
“They are playing against their peers, not playing against NHL players as of yet, so go out and do what got you here.… Dineen said. “We didn’t bog them down with a whole lot in the way of systems and we are go to keep it pretty simple.…
Top pick William Nylander will play w/Carter Verhaeghe & David Broll in #Leafs rookies game vs CHI on Saturday night. pic.twitter.com/sQw1UfJF0s
— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) September 13, 2014Nylander will undoubtedly be the focus of attention over the four-day tournament, as expectations are high for the speedy 18-year-old winger.
“We feel (Nylander)’s got so many capabilities. Anyone who can skate like that and has his skill set……not only that he’s got offensive capabilities, but he’s also a guy that can play a great two-way game.… Dineen said. “Certainly that’s something that Randy Carlyle and his coaching staff covet.…
#Leafs D prospect Matt Finn going through drills Saturday morning in London, ON. pic.twitter.com/cuqKgamNoe
— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) September 13, 2014The Blue and White’s defensive corps will be getting a little extra work, as 2014 draft pick Rinat Valiev is out with a knee injury, but it is not expected to sideline the 19-year-old blueliner long term.
Finn is considered a top prospect by the Leafs and impressed at the rookie tournament in London a year ago when paired with 2013 draft classmate Morgan Rielly. After a great season as team captain with the OHL’s Guelph Storm, the 20-year-old is looking to transition to the AHL this season and be in the mix for an NHL job in 2015.
Blueliner Tom Nilsson is in a similar position. The 2011 fourth rounder played a full year with Frolunda in the SHL and will play with the Marlies this season. Hopes are high for the hard-hitting 21-year-old, but it may take time for the hard-hitting defenseman to adjust to the North American game, as it did with fellow Swede Petter Granberg.
Garret Sparks is expected to get the start for Toronto and Dineen indicated that Nylander will play on a line with David Broll and 2013 third-rounder Carter Verhaeghe against Chicago.
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