Leafs Links: Dog Days

Aug 8, 2016

The dog days of hockey content have only been made more dire by the focus on Rio, but we’ve scrounged up some Leafs links to kick off your week.

30 Teams in 30 Days – Toronto Maple Leafs (OHL Prospects)

I’ve had a few Leafs‘ fans ask me this year, “how does Dermott differ from Matt Finn or Stuart Percy (two failed high Leaf picks)?” And it’s a good question and a valid one. I see why the question would be asked. Dermott could be perceived as a similar type of defender who is very good in a lot of areas, but not elite. My response would be that Dermott is a better skater and the more physical player, which should project him as a better defender at the next level.

Maple Leafs keeping eyes on Mitchell Marner (NHL.com)

Babcock added: “We’re going to see. I’m going to watch him here, and then I’m going to watch him at camp, and then I’m going to keep watching. The ball’s in his court obviously, if he works at it. But with his skill set, to me he should have an opportunity. Now, only time will tell, because there’s no sense making promises I can’t keep. “In saying all that, we fully expect him to really challenge for a job, and I think just because of his skill set.”

The Leafs, presently without a captain, gave the 'C' to Wendel Clark 25 years ago today. Clark replaced Rob Ramage.

— Lance Hornby (@sunhornby) August 8, 2016

Ducharme: Marner a part of foundation for junior team (TSN 1050)

Canadian junior head coach Dominique Ducharme joins Mike Richards on Richards 1-4 live from the World Junior Summer Showcase in Plymouth, Michigan. The guys discuss what the team is trying to accomplish at the Showcase, and who needs to lead the team come the World Junior Championships.

Top 25 Under 25: Yegor Korshkov starts things off at No. 25 (PPP)

Korshkov has since gone on to add a full season with a competitive Lokomotiv team, where he played fourth line minutes (around 10 minutes a night) and still posted 12 points in 41 games before returning to the MHL for their playoff run to lead the team and the league in scoring with 19 points in 15 games, winning the championship along the way.

Knights’ Name Too Expensive to Acquire From London for NHL Expansion Team: Report (AM980)

Foley is said to be looking at four names and logos, down from a possible 18. One of those names is believed to be the “Knights” in some capacity, though Foley is keeping his options a secret. However, he says the “Las Vegas Knights” is unlikely because the London Knights own the rights to the name in Canada. “The London Knights own the name in Canada, and to acquire the name from London is not economically feasible,” Foley said to the Review-Journal. “In the U.S., ‘Knights’ are fine. But we can’t use it in Canada.”

Five 2015 draft picks set to make impactful NHL debuts next season (THN)

Marner will benefit from his ability to play the wing and center next season, as the trio of Matthews, Nazem Kadri and William Nylander down the middle likely means Marner starts the season on the wing. But given the pure playmaking talent of the players he’ll be suiting up alongside, it’s hard to fathom Marner won’t have a fantastic season.