MLHS Morning Mashup: Youth is Served
Photo Credit: MapleLeafs.com
The Leafs second half surge was in large part the result of unexpected play from several Toronto Marlie callups in James Reimer, Keith Aulie, Darryl Boyce and Joey Crabb. Looking to take his first step towards graduation, Joe Colborne has been recalled from the farm while he was in the midst of an impressive 18-game stint with the Marlies, scoring eight goals and adding seven assists. If Colborne manages to perform half as good as he did in his debut with the Marlies – a two-goal performance – the Leafs would be ecstatic. Expectations in check, it’s a one-game wetting of the feet that we shouldn’t read too far into either way.
Same goes for 23-year old college senior Matt Frattin, who signed a two-year entry level contract with the Leafs on Friday and will join Colborne in making his Leafs and NHL debut. The product of North Dakota won’t play a top six role, but will form an intriguing third line alongside Tyler Bozak and Nazem Kadri.
Quotables:
“I got to play the last game last season.That taste gets left in your mouth the entire summer and [making the NHL] is something you strive for all summer long. You don’t forget.â€
- Tim Brent, courtesy of James Mirtle at The Globe and Mail
Leafs Links:
Leafs notebook: The last game of the year
News and notes from the Leafs practice in preparation for tonight’s game.
Joe Colbone, Matt Frattin to make debuts
All the talk around Toronto is focused on the debuts of Colborne and Frattin.
Leafs and Bozak make room for Colborne
James Mirtle reports the Leafs will dress Colborne on the first line between Joffrey Lupul and Phil Kessel.
Chemmy at PPP offers his thoughts on the signing of Matt Frattin to a two-year entry level contract.
Frattin Eager, Excited To Sign With Leafs
Frattin arrived in Toronto on Friday and will play in tonight’s game against Montreal.
Brent Nominated For Masterton Trophy
A well deserved honour for Brent, who embodies all of the major qualities representing the award, including ‘perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey’.
2011 Masterton Trophy Nominees
A list of the 14 nominees that have already been revealed.
Grabovski, Kulemin Headed To Worlds
Jonas Siegel reports Kulemin and Grabovski have been named to the Russian and Belarus national squads, respectively, in what could be a Leaf-dominated tournament. Dion Phaneuf, Luke Schenn, James Rimer and Mike Brown are among the potential candidates for Team Canada, while Carl Gunnarsson may play for Sweden.
Why Leaf fans have 45 reasons to hope
Kevin McGran and Paul Hunter look at the reasons for optimism amongst Leaf Nation.
James Reimer will likely play for Team Canada at the upcoming World Championships.
Another surprise in Brent’s surprise season
Lance Hornby at the Toronto Sun looks at Brent’s perseverance this season and dedication to sticking with the Leafs.
Mind your manners: Playoff etiquette for hockey fans
The latest from DGB on proper etiquette during the post season.
Other hockey links:
Video: Nathan Gerbe’s dazzling spin-o-rama goal vs. Flyers
Gerbe with an excellent individual effort last night against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Fantasy Hockey: Eastern Conference playoff dark hose players
Dobber Hockey offers his insight on picking your fantasy playoff team.
Hobey Baker Award Goes To Andy Miele
Miele, a Phoenix Coyotes prospect, edges out Matt Frattin.
Last Night in Leafs Prospects:
Kenny Ryan notched a goal and an assist in the Windsor Spitfires 3-0 win over the Saginaw to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Your Say:
What are your expectations from each player and could one or both of Frattin and Colborne make the big club next season? Looking back over the past seven months, what was your highlight of the Leafs season?
Leafs Video of the Day:
