I have been to about 15 games this year, including 6 playoff matches. Dermott and Johnsson are the obvious NHLers.

I expect Sparks to be given a shot with some team to be a backup next year (Marlies will lose him on waivers if he does not make the team out of camp). Pickard looks fully capable as well...not sure what his future is.

On D, do not expect a Liljegren sighting at the ACC any time soon. The kid is nowhere near ready for the NHL. He shows flashes.....both good and bad....but needs time to grow. Holl has impressed me......he could surprise and be a decent bottom pairing guy. Rosen and Borgman....we saw them both with the Leafs last year, and would think that they will be in the mix again next season, depending on what other moves are made. Borgman has been hurt for awhile, so no updates on him. Rosen has picked up his game in the playoffs....skating skills are really starting to show. Do not hate me for saying this, but Marincin has been okay.....but no way I want him on the Leafs.

Up front, Aaltonen and Grundstrom may challenge for positions in camp (there is a part of me that would love to see those 2 and Johnsson become our new 4th line and drive other teams nuts with their speed). I don't see anyone else making the move up next year, but am intrigued by Mason Marchment and Trevor Moore. I had zero expectations for both going into the season and both have been impressive. I think another year of AHL seasoning is in order....take a bigger role with the likes of johnsson having moved on.....but I would not be surprised to see viewed as legit prospects by this time next year.

I don't see Bracco ever making it......if the Goat does not get more physical then he never makes it full time.....and I am still an Andrew Nielsen fan, but he did not take the step forward this year that I was hoping for.

Okay.....criticize away.
- bullethead7

I have seen Bracco a number of times in Junior and a couple times on the Marlies; not really impressed.

I thought ELC's were exempt? Or was it first year of pro sports?
- Aaron_85

im not sure to be honest

im not sure to be honest
- senstroll

I have wondered if Signing Tavares leaves someone exposed to the draft that we would rather not lose, particularly with teh bozek, JVR and Komarov not coming back.

im not sure to be honest
- senstroll

It doesn't matter.

I can't see a team not playing a young player that would improve their team just because it changes who they protect at the expansion draft.

Unless of course that team isn't competitive in the season prior to the draft and/or has no aspiration to contend for the stanley cup.

I have no idea what your post means, but I enjoy your incoherent anger. You are welcome in the Leafs blog as the official representative of the Ottawa Senators.

So, how 'bout that Bobby Ryan?
- Atomic Wedgie

Bobby Ryan is a 1st line forward.
Enjoy ur ban troll lolzzzzzz

It doesn't matter.

I can't see a team not playing a young player that would improve their team just because it changes who they protect at the expansion draft.
- Scabeh

I disagree, I think that consideration will be very much in play.

I disagree, I think that consideration will be very much in play.
- Aetherial

See my edit.

I just cannot see a team like the Leafs making themselves weaker for the sake of it.

im not sure to be honest
- senstroll

Here's the official rules for younger players:

* All first- and second-year professionals, as well as all unsigned draft choices, will be exempt from selection (and will not be counted toward their club's applicable protection limits).

It doesn't matter.

I can't see a team not playing a young player that would improve their team just because it changes who they protect at the expansion draft.

Unless of course that team isn't competitive in the season prior to the draft and/or has no aspiration to contend for the stanley cup.
- Scabeh

Well if you dont call him up until late in the season (like Dermott) you dont know yet if he can help at that point.

but I could see holding a player back if it meant it kept them exempt from the draft

Here's the official rules for younger players:

* All first- and second-year professionals, as well as all unsigned draft choices, will be exempt from selection (and will not be counted toward their club's applicable protection limits).
- Aaron_85

As the NHL has not announced when Seattle would be granted a franchise, it would be pretty hard to make decisions on who would be protected/not protected.

Here's the official rules for younger players:

* All first- and second-year professionals, as well as all unsigned draft choices, will be exempt from selection (and will not be counted toward their club's applicable protection limits).
- Aaron_85

so if he played most of 2018-19 and 2019-20 ..what does that make him?

I have wondered if Signing Tavares leaves someone exposed to the draft that we would rather not lose, particularly with teh bozek, JVR and Komarov not coming back.
- Aetherial

Protection would be like:

Andersen
Matthews
Kadri
Marner
Nylander
Marleau
Tavares
Kapanen/Johnsson/Brown/Hyman
Rielly
Dermott
Gardiner?

See my edit.

I just cannot see a team like the Leafs making themselves weaker for the sake of it.
- Scabeh

ahhh

If they fancy themselves as legit contenders, yeah I think they ice the best team they can, regardless.

I wonder if we are going to see more trades leading up to expansion this year.

Anyone going to the Marlies tonight?

I got offered a ticket this morning. Should be a good chance to go and officially declare Bracco and LOLgren as busts.

As the NHL has not announced when Seattle would be granted a franchise, it would be pretty hard to make decisions on who would be protected/not protected.
- Atomic Wedgie

No I agree. I'm just putting the rules out there so it would depend on when the franchise is likely to be set.

Anyone going to the Marlies tonight?

I got offered a ticket this morning. Should be a good chance to go and officially declare Bracco and LOLgren as busts.
- Atomic Wedgie

Give us the official Wedgie report.

Perhaps we can package the two of them for a solid veteran who is good in the room.

so if he played most of 2018-19 and 2019-20 ..what does that make him?
- senstroll

Most likely not exempt due to the fact playing in the AHL counts as being a professional player.

How much of the Marlies success will translate to the Leafs in the coming years?

Looking at the roster, I see 2 current NHLers and what, 4-5 future NHLers?
I think these young players developing in a winning environment will really help us.
- BestRapperAlive

Based on previous Calder cup winners......0-3ish.

Now that Chabot is a perennial all-star, Ben Harpur is the best young defenseman in the NHL.

As the NHL has not announced when Seattle would be granted a franchise, it would be pretty hard to make decisions on who would be protected/not protected.
- Atomic Wedgie

Smart teams should be game planning for things like that well ahead of them.

Lets say Seattle starts the 2020-21 season . so the draft would be the summer of 2020

ahhh

If they fancy themselves as legit contenders, yeah I think they ice the best team they can, regardless.

I wonder if we are going to see more trades leading up to expansion this year.
- Aetherial

From what I heard throughout the season is that GMs are pissed off how well Vegas did in gathering assets. Karlsson and a first round pick to take Clarkson contract and to stay away from someone else? I heard some GMs will just set their protected list and allow just any player to go left off it and be done with it.

ahhh

If they fancy themselves as legit contenders, yeah I think they ice the best team they can, regardless.

I wonder if we are going to see more trades leading up to expansion this year.
- Aetherial

I think other teams are gonna be tempted to trade between themselves instead of being "stuck" dealing with Vegas.

Protection would be like:

Andersen
Matthews
Kadri
Marner
Nylander
Marleau
Tavares
Kapanen/Johnsson/Brown/Hyman
Rielly
Dermott
Gardiner?
- Aaron_85

Marleau will be gone by the time Seattle gets a franchise.

The earliest Seattle will play will be the 2020-21 season.

Too early to start thinking about this.

Protection would be like:

Andersen
Matthews
Kadri
Marner
Nylander
Marleau
Tavares
Kapanen/Johnsson/Brown/Hyman
Rielly
Dermott
Gardiner?
- Aaron_85

no need to protect marleau at that age and contract

Protection would be like:

Andersen
Matthews
Kadri
Marner
Nylander
Marleau
Tavares
Kapanen/Johnsson/Brown/Hyman
Rielly
Dermott
Gardiner?
- Aaron_85

Does 2 year of professional hockey include playing in the AHL? That would include Loljegren.