As we’re all aware, Nazem Kadri headlines the current Maple Leafs young prospect pool. But behind him are some guys who really have started to tune up their game before making the jump to professional hockey in the coming year. One way or another, many Leaf prospects will come into the fold with either the Marlies or the big club next season. The time couldn’t be better for GM Brian Burke, who really needs results as fast as they can happen. After handing the Boston Bruins Tyler Seguin this summer, Burke requires a turn-around for the blue & white in the worst kind of way. Most (or all) of these prospects will not have any effect on the Maple Leafs point total directly next season, but the competition they add to the organization as a whole will keep the franchise on the proper path for success. Let’s take a look at a few;
Nazem Kadri (1st round, 2009 NHL Draft, 7th overall)
Born: October 6, 1990 – London, ONT
Tale of the tape: 6’1″, 180 pounds
Easily the top Maple Leafs prospect right now. With Kadri you get versatility and creativity. His ability to flow in and out of centre and the wing makes him a treat for the coaching staff at any level. Naz has stated his intent to add on 12-15 pounds in the off-season in hopes of cracking the Leafs lineup outright in October. If he stays true to his word, he might give Ron Wilson no choice but to keep him with the big club. Already with great vision and a wizard with the puck; a bigger, stronger Kadri will be hard to turn away from the Leafs weak forward corps. Kadri was up to his usual tricks by racking up 27 points in 12 playoff games for the Knights this year, after collecting 93 points in 56 games during the regular season. The stat that jumps out to me a little is penalty minutes. Naz went from 31 PIM in 2008-09, to 105PIM in 2009-10. Quite the jump. Though Kadri seems like a very passionate player so it should be no surprise. Here’s a guy that wants to win and wants to play in pressure situations. Bring it on Naz, we’re all amped up to watch you in blue & white.
Mikhail Stefanovich (4th round, 2008 NHL draft, 98th overall)
Born: Nov 27 1989 – Minsk, Belarus
Tale of the tape: 6’2″, 202 lbs
The word on Stefanovich, as you might have heard, is that he lacks determination. His inconsistent play is relative to his inconsistent effort. However, Stefanovich does not lack size or scoring ability. In three seasons of playing QMJHL, Stefanovich has 210 points in 171 games played. This season he racked up 68 points in 53 games but seen a drop off in goal production. Once the Belarussian makes it to the pro level and receives pro coaching, it’s possible that he can turn out to be a great player if he plays his cards right. He definitely has the talent and god-given tools to be a nifty winger.
Jimmy Hayes (2nd round, 2008 draft, 60th overall)
Born: Nov 21, 1989 – Dorchester, Mass.
Tale of the tape: 6’5″, 210 pounds
An enormous player who needed time to mature into his frame, Hayes has picked up point production over the past year. Playing with the powerhouse Boston College of NCAA, Hayes grabbed 35 points over 42 games this year, a nice increase compared to his previous years in the NCAA and USHL. He is known for his speed and long stride, something you’d expect for a man as big as Hayes. Though he’s not afraid of physical play, Hayes’ main talent is his work in tight around the net. Most scouting reports say his hands are pretty good for a big guy, something the Leafs will need as an upgrade/replacement for former Leafs Ponikarovsky and Antropov.
Chris Didomenico (6th round, 2007 NHL Draft, 164th overall)
Born: Feb 20, 1989 – Woodbridge, ONT
Tale of the tape: 6’0”, 175 pounds
An overager with the Drummondville Voltigeurs, Dido has returned from a brutal leg break in last years QMJHL finals to rack up 22 points in only 12 games this season. After signing a three year entry level deal with the Leafs, many assumed that Dido would spend time with the Marlies, but he needed extra time in Drummondville to get back to form. No longer eligible for Major Junior hockey, he will suit up for the Marlies next season.
Kenny Ryan (2nd round, 2009 NHL Draft, 50th overall)
Born: July 10, 1991 – Franklin, MI
Tale of the tape: 6’0″, 210 pounds
After playing for the US National U-18 Team Development Program in 2008-09, Kenny Ryan intended on playing with Boston College for the 2009-10 season, but left for the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL after the first weekend of games. Ryan had 36 points in 49 games for the US Development Program, following it up this year with 35 points in 52 games for the Spitfires. Though his point production isn’t huge, Ryan translates into a versatile forward that can roll in and out of the second and third line. He works hard for pucks and has decent size. He will probably require another year in junior, and some quality Marlies time before ever being considered for the Leafs. We’ll likely see Kenny Ryan as a third liner for the Buds in about 3-4 years.
Dale Mitchell (3rd round, 2007 NHL Draft, 74th overall)
Born : April 9, 1989 – Etobicoke, ONT
Tale of the tape: 5’9″, 205 pounds
After another successful year with Windsor (43 points in 32 games), Mitchell will likely move on to the Marlies next season. He played 9 games with the Leafs AHL affiliate this year and recorded only 3 points. Over the course of his OHL career, Mitchell has 294 points in 293 regular season games stretched over five seasons. At only 5’9″ it will be tough for Mitchell to ever crack the big club, but stranger things have happened. If he can bring his scoring to a high level in the AHL, he will at least have a lot of Leafs looking over their shoulder in years to come.
__
These players are still only the tip of the iceberg, as there’s still a great mix of size and skill in the rest of the Leafs young prospect pool. Part II will look at another group. Who knows, there even might be a trilogy.
Original Story:
http://maplestirup.com/2010/04/26/naz...
1
3
