Post by Toronto Maple Leafs on Jun 1, 2023 9:18:51 GMT -6
Busy week ahead for the Management in Toronto as they are expected to ink numerous prospects to Entry Level Contracts. The forward group looks to be bolstered this offseason with a number of players starting to make their way up in the organization. Let’s take a quick look at a few of the key assets that should get deals this offseason and how soon they may impact the organization.
The leader of that group is Russian sensation Andrei Kuzemenko who defected from Russia on a recent trip to Finland. To avoid the FSK (formerly KGB) Leafs management had setup his hotel room with a false wall so they could hide him while agents swept the hotel. Once he was on a plane he took to social media to announce his intention. Shady sure but when you have the deep pockets the Leafs do getting him to North America is a top priority. He is a top 6 option heading into camp this year and will help lengthen the Leafs line up at a reasonable cap hit.
Another pair of Russians could follow a similar path this summer and both Amirov and Miroshnichenko have expressed interest in starting a new life in North America. Both have Ukrainian family members and have secretly been planning their escapes. Amirov might stay for one further season having beat his Cancer and looking to reestablish his hockey career while Miroshnichenko is a pitbull when on the ice. He is a skilled player who battles hard and has soft hands. Skating could improve but he is a big strong player that is difficult to match up with. Expect him to start on the Marlies but have an eye on the main club.
Wyatt Johnston is perhaps the most intriguing player expected to sign. He is a dynamic offensive player with a full NHL season under his belt at with 24 goals. There is a ton to be excited about with this player as he turn 20 just 2 weeks ago. He has size and speed, great hands and finishers mentality around the net. If there is room on the Leafs I could see him getting a long hard look.
Marco Rossi is likely to sign after an excellent AHL season. His near ppg pace there give confidence that the undersize pivot will be able to take his game up a notch again this year. Having had serious long covid issues, Rossi looks poised for every PFHL minutes with an eye development over the course of the season.
Matthew Coronato has exceeded expectations. Two wonderful seasons at Harvard, an NHL game and a strong showing at the World Championships. His 8 points in 10 games as a 2C shows that he is ready to play the game against men. Expectations are high heading into camp but he is a player that could use a season in the system before playing Regular PFHL minutes. His production everywhere he has ever played bodes well that the organization has found a gem.
Matthew Knies showed he is ready for the challenge of pro hockey in his brief playoff run in the NHL his 4 points in 7 playoff games remind us that the stage isn’t daunting to everyone. His performance was that of seasoned vet and his ability to carry the puck in traffic, make plays and finish them make him a great asset to the organization. Knies will be a full time NHL next year and there is no reason to expect he won’t have a successful year. Possible re-rate candidate heading into 2024.
Nick Abruzzese is another player that has showed a steady progression the past few seasons. His first AHL season was very productive and his two NHL games give hope of a bottom six role next offseason. There is a lot to like about his game. He is tenacious and as hard working as they come.
While the organization isn’t very balanced prospect wise the fruits of a BPA stocked cupboard is that you have lots of options. With 12 picks in this upcoming draft and 13 in the following year the prospect pool will certainly be more rounded out in the coming seasons. Having a couple of young promsing blue liners doesn’t hurt either as Liljegren, Menell and Bean are all under 25 and playing regular Pro minutes. The future is bright for a team that has some quality players up front already.
Mangiapange Pettersson Strome
Kuzmenko Backstrom Dach
Niederreiter Johnston Kessel
Engvall Amadio Compher
Ellis Pesce
Zub Liljergren
Menell Bean
Markstrom
Hutchinson
The leader of that group is Russian sensation Andrei Kuzemenko who defected from Russia on a recent trip to Finland. To avoid the FSK (formerly KGB) Leafs management had setup his hotel room with a false wall so they could hide him while agents swept the hotel. Once he was on a plane he took to social media to announce his intention. Shady sure but when you have the deep pockets the Leafs do getting him to North America is a top priority. He is a top 6 option heading into camp this year and will help lengthen the Leafs line up at a reasonable cap hit.
Another pair of Russians could follow a similar path this summer and both Amirov and Miroshnichenko have expressed interest in starting a new life in North America. Both have Ukrainian family members and have secretly been planning their escapes. Amirov might stay for one further season having beat his Cancer and looking to reestablish his hockey career while Miroshnichenko is a pitbull when on the ice. He is a skilled player who battles hard and has soft hands. Skating could improve but he is a big strong player that is difficult to match up with. Expect him to start on the Marlies but have an eye on the main club.
Wyatt Johnston is perhaps the most intriguing player expected to sign. He is a dynamic offensive player with a full NHL season under his belt at with 24 goals. There is a ton to be excited about with this player as he turn 20 just 2 weeks ago. He has size and speed, great hands and finishers mentality around the net. If there is room on the Leafs I could see him getting a long hard look.
Marco Rossi is likely to sign after an excellent AHL season. His near ppg pace there give confidence that the undersize pivot will be able to take his game up a notch again this year. Having had serious long covid issues, Rossi looks poised for every PFHL minutes with an eye development over the course of the season.
Matthew Coronato has exceeded expectations. Two wonderful seasons at Harvard, an NHL game and a strong showing at the World Championships. His 8 points in 10 games as a 2C shows that he is ready to play the game against men. Expectations are high heading into camp but he is a player that could use a season in the system before playing Regular PFHL minutes. His production everywhere he has ever played bodes well that the organization has found a gem.
Matthew Knies showed he is ready for the challenge of pro hockey in his brief playoff run in the NHL his 4 points in 7 playoff games remind us that the stage isn’t daunting to everyone. His performance was that of seasoned vet and his ability to carry the puck in traffic, make plays and finish them make him a great asset to the organization. Knies will be a full time NHL next year and there is no reason to expect he won’t have a successful year. Possible re-rate candidate heading into 2024.
Nick Abruzzese is another player that has showed a steady progression the past few seasons. His first AHL season was very productive and his two NHL games give hope of a bottom six role next offseason. There is a lot to like about his game. He is tenacious and as hard working as they come.
While the organization isn’t very balanced prospect wise the fruits of a BPA stocked cupboard is that you have lots of options. With 12 picks in this upcoming draft and 13 in the following year the prospect pool will certainly be more rounded out in the coming seasons. Having a couple of young promsing blue liners doesn’t hurt either as Liljegren, Menell and Bean are all under 25 and playing regular Pro minutes. The future is bright for a team that has some quality players up front already.
Mangiapange Pettersson Strome
Kuzmenko Backstrom Dach
Niederreiter Johnston Kessel
Engvall Amadio Compher
Ellis Pesce
Zub Liljergren
Menell Bean
Markstrom
Hutchinson
