While the Toronto Maple Leafs may not have the best players in their prospect pool, they still manage to have prospects who continue to develop well and make a name for themselves.
with players likecool matthew, Nick Robertson and Pontus Holmberg are beginning to move away from the rookie tag and into the NHL, and the Maple Leafs still have players who could have bright futures with the team. The top prospects from both teams performed well last season and could take a bigger step forward in 2023-24 with their respective youth clubs or the NHL's Toronto Maris.
These five players are worth watching.
Easton Cowan
When the Maple Leafs selected Easton Cowan in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, many questions were raised. However, with other teams including Cowan in their rosters, his work ethic and strong performance in the second half of last season make him an optional option.maple leaf dividend。
What's more, he shone in the latest development field, showcasing his speed, IQ and intensity, earning praise from Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, Assistant General Manager and Player Development. He played alongside Nick Maldenhauer and Ty Voight and was just as impressive as they were. (From Easton Cowan's great book on the promotion of maple leaves in the development field, pp.toronto sun– July 08 and 23).
Cowen looked average last season, scoring 53 points in 68 games for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. However, 31 of his 53 points are major strengths and his major points total is 43 points. He also scored seven on power plays and six on shorthanded situations. Considering he's ranked low by the Cavaliers, he's a player who can play and contribute in any situation; you are making the most of your minutes.
That alone is a big reason he was able to move on with the Cavaliers. With so many players missing, this would give Cowan a chance to play minutes and become his go-to player. Mark and Dale Hunter don't just add something to any playerTake responsibility if they are not ready. Cowan is definitely a player who can rise to the challenge, and that has been evident this past season.
fraserminten
It was a difficult season for Minten, who played 57 games for the Kamloops Trail Blazers of the Western Hockey League, as he was injured at various times throughout the season. Even so, he scored 67 points during his tenure as alternate captain, up from 55 in 2021-22.
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name asLogan StankovinStarting with the WHL, this will certainly open the door for players like Minten to gain more playing time and play a bigger role on the team. like Cowan, he definitely issignificant progress will be madeand will thrive in bigger roles.
Minten is the closest thing to a pro among the Leafs' rookies, with the size (6-foot-10, 192 pounds), intelligence, mentality and tenacity to play aggressively in a hockey shootout. His shot is solid and accurate, and he's a goal threat when he's balanced and powerful. He is strong defensively and still retains the ability to pressure opponents and force comebacks. He will also likely be a key player for Canada at the upcoming World Junior Championships.
Given his mentality and ability to attack relentlessly, Minten definitely has a chance to have a strong season, both in terms of development and production. The Maple Leafs could soon have another smart and powerful forward.
Ty Voight
From a 2021 fifth-round pick tobe a potential late gem, Voight greatly increased his value as a rookie with the Maple Leafs. Voit did not miss any games as OHL was absent from the 2020-21 season due to the COVID-19 shutdown.
Voight's 80 points in 2021-22 would put him in the top 20 in scoring in the league. His scoring jumped to 105 last season and he finished second. His scoring average jumped from 1.04 to 1.10. He is a very cunning and elusive puck dealer which makes the game fast. He showed a lot of patience and creativity with the puck, deftly controlled the situation, easily attracted players and opened up the game. Whenever he is in control of the game, he is extremely deceitful.
With his OHL career coming to an end, the next phase of his development is to move to the AHL and progress with the Marlies. There is still room for improvement as he is learning how to useyour strength becomes your advantageAlthough the cutting edge skills are still there, but more.
Nicolas Maldenhauer
asAdam Ventillyand Mackie Samoskevich is out of college, Michigan is still full of talent. With Rutger McGrotti, Frank Nazar and Gavin Brindley leading the charge, Maldenhauer's offensive prowess and his ability to play a fast-paced game will surely be relied on.
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Maldenhauer excelled with the Chicago Steelers, scoring 75 points (second on the team) on 30 goals, 56 of which were important points. He has consistently demonstrated his high-impact game, anticipation, and playability. He is very competitive, able to get into difficult areas and fight for the puck, whileSmooth play in tight areasAnd he has a much underappreciated opportunity.
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proud maldenhauerYour IQ and situational awarenessOn ice, finding a clearing is easy. This was evident in training camp, as he has great chemistry with both Cowan and Voight. He always seemed to be one step ahead of the competition and, with his movement and audacity, he was a deceptive ace. He had success with the Steelers last season and will have the same impact in the NCAA.
Topi I agree
The Maple Leafs' top defensive rookie quickly experimented with the AHL, scoring two points in six games and five more in seven postseason games. Although he had a slow season (18 points) in Karpät da Liiga, after a strong debut season with 32 points, he continued to show promise once again during his brief stint in North America.
Nimera is a very fluid two-way mobile defender and his transition play is a strong point. He has great control when he moves into the neutral zone and can run down the line very effectively to play or drive the puck into the net. Defensively, he continues to show a lot of patience defending the rush and aggressively coming into lane and running the attack. hei need to get stronger, but there are many things I like about his game.
Now he's in Toronto, and as Niemelä gets closer to joining the NHL, the wait will be worth it. There's a reason they took him to the third round of the 2020 draft because of the huge potential he has. He already has professional experience and will be able to take another big step in his development. If all goes according to plan, he could be drafted in the future.
All five rookies had good success last season. They see themselves as great prospects and want to take another big leap in development and better themselves.
statistics ofchoose 224mielite prospect。
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