Entry Draft
Not only our present, but our future will be shaped over the next two weeks. Both free agency and the NHL Entry Draft are quickly approaching, and the Leafs figure to be highly active at both.
The Maple Leafs, under General Manager, Brian Burke, have built a deep system of prospects which boasts the likes of Nazem Kadri, Joe Colborne and Jesse Blacker, to highlight a few. Most experts who have been consulted on the issue believe it to stack up anywhere between tenth and thirteenth in the National Hockey League as far as prospect stables go, and it should continue to grow this Friday. [more…]
A few days ago, we learned about the playmaking Portland Winterhawk forward Ty Rattie. Today, let's talk about another very talented draft eligible player from that line: goal scoring machine Sven Bartschi. With goal scoring instincts and natural ability reminiscent of rookie phenom Jeff Skinner, Bartschi is quite arguably one of the best pure goal scorers of the draft class. [more…]
In the fourth installment of the MLHS 2011 Draft Profile series, we're going to take a quick look at Portland Winterhawk winger Ty Rattie. Our very own Brian Huddle informs us that the Maple Leafs have been showing Rattie around the city, much like they did with Leaf draftee Greg McKegg last year, which may perhaps tip their hand. Rattie is a crafty and skilled winger with tremendous offensive upside but his small stature and average skating may push him back toward the latter third of the first round. [more…]
With a little more than a month remaining before the NHL Entry Draft, discussing possible picks and trade-up scenarios are again becoming commonplace in the hockey world. I really feel no need to mention once again that the Leafs hold two late first-round picks, but I just did.
Of course there are plenty of options Burke and his staff can look at with the picks. Whether it’s a substantial move up the ladder, or simply a quick jostle to a few spots up, the range of prospects in the Leafs’ playing field is obviously quite broad.
Today we’ll just take a quick gander at a few more players – both domestic and international - that could land around Toronto’s draft position, and could possibly become future Leafs.
NHL Prospect writer Brian Huddle of Hockeybuzz.com and FutureConsiderations.ca stops by MLHS to provide a look at what the Leafs' future might hold:
The rebuild ‘officially’ began June 20th, 2008.
“The Toronto Maple Leafs are proud to select, with their first pick in this year’s draft, from the Kelowna Rockets – Luke Schenn.â€
We’ve all heard those words, and likely relived that moment on Youtube. Mike Penny and his staff were all too happy to pick their future defensive stud. It was a moment that would tell the hockey world exactly what the Maple Leafs were going to be; big, tough and physical. No more pushing us over. [more…]
In the third installment of the MLHS 2011 Draft Profile series, we're going to take a closer look at American winger Brandon Saad of the Saginaw Spirit. The enigmatic young forward of Syrian descent has seen his stock decline steadily over the past few months due to his inconsistent play and questionable compete level, but this is a player with an impressive physical skillset and tremendous offensive upside. Once billed as a potential top five selection back in September, Saad has disappointed with a mediocre rookie season in the OHL, but could provide a huge steal potential for a team willing to gamble on him toward the end of the first round.
In this second installment of the MLHS 2011 NHL Draft preview series, we're going to take a closer look at Mark Scheifele, the Barrie Colts' two-way centre who has seen his stock climb drastically over the past couple of months. Scouts describe him as one of those well-rounded, hard-nosed players who just love to compete night in and night out. Once viewed as a second tier prospect, Scheifele has silenced critics with a standout OHL season and now finds himself poised to be a Day One selection at this year's draft. [more…]
As part of our 2011 NHL Entry Draft coverage here at MLHS, I will be releasing a series of player profiles highlighting a handful of players who figure to be selected toward the middle-late first round or early second round. The Maple Leafs appear poised to select three times (Flyers' 1st round pick, Bruins' 1st round pick, Leafs' 2nd round pick) within this range, though Burke has stated the possibility of combining two of those picks in an effort to move up. These profiles will provide a brief overview of the player's strengths, weaknesses, and draft day outlook. Today, we'll begin with Peterborough forward Matt Puempel.
The Basics: Talented goal scoring forward for the Peterborough Petes; 34 goals and 35 assists for 69 points in 55 games played. [more…]
According to numerous sources, including the Canadian Press, the Toronto Maple Leafs and prospect Jerry D'Amigo are expected to finalize a three year entry level [more…]
For Greg McKegg, nothing has necessarily come easy in his hockey career. Â A slow start to his rookie campaign in Erie, followed by a knee injury which threatened the start of his season this past year, McKegg began the year as a winger for the Erie Otters that ISS ranked in the 90's.
It was something that McKegg couldn't not think about, no matter how much he tried.
"It's something you try not to think about too much really, but you can't help but look. Â It was disappointing to see that for sure, but I think it gives you that edge to work harder and show people that you deserve to be higher up on the list."
And that is exactly what he did.
Being described by some in the hockey circles as a perennial underdog, McKegg did the only thing he knew how to do. Â Work hard.
It was a quiet Day One at the 2010 NHL Draft for the Maple Leafs, but the team stepped up its game in a big way on Saturday afternoon. The club wheeled and dealed its way into the 2nd round of the draft and through some crafty maneuvering in the later rounds, managed to add seven new players into the organization.
The Leafs were able to significantly upgrade their depth up front, by grabbing six forwards to go with one defenseman. Surprisingly, Leafs' Swedish scout Thommie Bergman had a big day, selecting three players from the Swedish leagues. [more…]
Rough Friday night for Leaf fans, but that's in the past now. Rounds 2-7 of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft kicks off today at 1pm ET on NHL Network. The Maple Leafs are slated pick once in the 3rd round (62nd), once in the 4th round (112th), twice in the 5th round (122nd and 144th) and twice in the 7th round (182nd and 202nd).
Rumors are circulating that the Leafs will attempt to trade into the 2nd round if the price is reasonable.
This live blog will be updated with thoughts and pick analysis throughout the afternoon. [more…]
