Post by Toronto Maple Leafs on Nov 21, 2023 17:40:49 GMT -6
The Leaf’s were a strong team in the inaugural season of the PFHL taking the Eastern Conference crown and competing in the Finals. Since that peak the team has seen their fortunes take a downturn over the past couple of seasons. When asked about the shift in direction for the organization from win now to a retool Gibbons was quick to respond:
“When this started we were looking to build an organization that had a long competitive window. Our first selection was Petey and he was taken over some more talented players because of his age and his project term with the team. What we have coming behind him is going to created a strong push from within the organization to improve quickly and get us several long term players with youth and affordable contracts on our side. The hope is that with strong internal development and strategic free agent signing we are able to round out our roster to be back pushing for the playoffs for the next decade.”
Where is the strong push coming from within the organization over the next few seasons? Lets have a look:
Wyatt Johnston leads the baby Leaf’s in scoring. In 17 games to start the season he has 9 goals and 25 points. A future of Pettersson/Johnston as your one/two centers is something fans can get behind. As soon as next year he should be an everyday player.
Connor Zary is a player ripe for a rerate. His production early at the NHL level has exceed all expectations. Calgary’s offensive resurgence is in part due to him joining the club. His 8 points in his first 9 games is a real testament to giving young players a chance to succeed and watching them flourish.
Matthew Knies has taken an everyday role on one of the most explosive offenses in the NHL and not missed a beat. He is on pace for over 40 points and 20 goals in his first NHL season making him a strong candidate for a rerate. A left wing option that can turn defenders will help a roster that has been a bit flat offensively to start the year.
Marco Rossi has left Covid-19 in the dust. After a tough stretch personally he is back on track and a significant contributor to a strong NHL roster. He is 5th in team scoring and 3rd on the team in goals. Currently there isn’t much pp time for Rossi but he is earning more icetime each game. He is another strong re-rate candidate based on his growth.
Matthew Coronato is a player with incredible finishing quality. He has already got a dozen NHL games under his belt and is producing at a point per game pace at the AHL level. Likely another season away from a serious re-rate consideration but still a great asset to have in the fold.
Ivan Miroshnichenko has transition to North America from the KHL and has become a solid player in his first 15 games on the smaller ice surface. Leafs brass expect a point per game pace in the AHL after Christmas once he has settled in.
Samuel Honzek has been unlucky this season picking up an injury before his first WHL game this year. He is a big body with some good skills and a skating stride that is impressive for a big man. His first game should be early December with a hope he is quickly back up and producing at a high level.
Dimitri Simashev is a young Russian blue liner that has great size and frame to anchor a blue line. He is a potential minute munching defender much like Brett Pesce. His smarts and skill matched with his frame and skating make him a long term impact player at the next level.
Rodion Amirov is named here out of respect. Although he will never play for the franchise the young man was a great ambassador for the club and showed his character through a tragic battle with Cancer. He was the model of perseverance and is missed greatly by all those in the organization that he touched. It is a tragic loss of a man taken too soon.
While this season isn’t the dream start Toronto was looking for I don’t think the slow start derails any of the teams longer term vision or planning, perhaps it improves it. I see a few parts getting sold off this year before the deadline with Mangiapane stating a preference for Free Agency. Foligno and Ellis may also make their way out of town depending on the depths of the tear down Gibbons’ moves ahead with. There should be a lot of activity with rumors of Gibbons' considering a significant move.
“When this started we were looking to build an organization that had a long competitive window. Our first selection was Petey and he was taken over some more talented players because of his age and his project term with the team. What we have coming behind him is going to created a strong push from within the organization to improve quickly and get us several long term players with youth and affordable contracts on our side. The hope is that with strong internal development and strategic free agent signing we are able to round out our roster to be back pushing for the playoffs for the next decade.”
Where is the strong push coming from within the organization over the next few seasons? Lets have a look:
Wyatt Johnston leads the baby Leaf’s in scoring. In 17 games to start the season he has 9 goals and 25 points. A future of Pettersson/Johnston as your one/two centers is something fans can get behind. As soon as next year he should be an everyday player.
Connor Zary is a player ripe for a rerate. His production early at the NHL level has exceed all expectations. Calgary’s offensive resurgence is in part due to him joining the club. His 8 points in his first 9 games is a real testament to giving young players a chance to succeed and watching them flourish.
Matthew Knies has taken an everyday role on one of the most explosive offenses in the NHL and not missed a beat. He is on pace for over 40 points and 20 goals in his first NHL season making him a strong candidate for a rerate. A left wing option that can turn defenders will help a roster that has been a bit flat offensively to start the year.
Marco Rossi has left Covid-19 in the dust. After a tough stretch personally he is back on track and a significant contributor to a strong NHL roster. He is 5th in team scoring and 3rd on the team in goals. Currently there isn’t much pp time for Rossi but he is earning more icetime each game. He is another strong re-rate candidate based on his growth.
Matthew Coronato is a player with incredible finishing quality. He has already got a dozen NHL games under his belt and is producing at a point per game pace at the AHL level. Likely another season away from a serious re-rate consideration but still a great asset to have in the fold.
Ivan Miroshnichenko has transition to North America from the KHL and has become a solid player in his first 15 games on the smaller ice surface. Leafs brass expect a point per game pace in the AHL after Christmas once he has settled in.
Samuel Honzek has been unlucky this season picking up an injury before his first WHL game this year. He is a big body with some good skills and a skating stride that is impressive for a big man. His first game should be early December with a hope he is quickly back up and producing at a high level.
Dimitri Simashev is a young Russian blue liner that has great size and frame to anchor a blue line. He is a potential minute munching defender much like Brett Pesce. His smarts and skill matched with his frame and skating make him a long term impact player at the next level.
Rodion Amirov is named here out of respect. Although he will never play for the franchise the young man was a great ambassador for the club and showed his character through a tragic battle with Cancer. He was the model of perseverance and is missed greatly by all those in the organization that he touched. It is a tragic loss of a man taken too soon.
While this season isn’t the dream start Toronto was looking for I don’t think the slow start derails any of the teams longer term vision or planning, perhaps it improves it. I see a few parts getting sold off this year before the deadline with Mangiapane stating a preference for Free Agency. Foligno and Ellis may also make their way out of town depending on the depths of the tear down Gibbons’ moves ahead with. There should be a lot of activity with rumors of Gibbons' considering a significant move.
