Maple Leafs Prospect Rankings #2 - Roni Hirvonen

His hockey IQ, too, is an aspect of his game that sticks out. Hirvonen often finds himself in the right position to receive a pass, and even if he has the puck himself, the 21-year-old carries it into space where he can hold onto it longer.

Following his season in Finland — where Hirvonen put up 28 points (15 goals, 13 assists) in 57 games — he joined the Marlies. Although the 19-year-old was nursing an upper-body injury, the experience of being around AHL players helped a lot.

"I feel that I'm more ready to come here now," he said at Maple Leafs development camp earlier this summer.

The 19-year-old may be soft-spoken, but there's a lot of fire and leadership within him. Hirvonen captained Team Finland in his final year at the World Juniors, scoring seven points in seven games. He's also won silver and bronze medals at the tournament as well.

There's going to be plenty of competition at center this year as the three of Logan Shaw, Dylan Gambrell (unless he makes the Leafs or gets claimed), and Hirvonen vie for spots.

The 21-year-old could have an easier time further down in the lineup as he would face easier competition. However, I don't believe he'd want to be that far down the lineup on the Marlies.

Hirvonen will have to play to his strengths at the AHL level to have success. Luckily for him, those strengths will make him a successful player for the Marlies. That's one of the reasons why I have him so high in my rankings.

The 21-year-old had plenty of success in Finland with battles along the boards. His strength and toughness in that area will give a lot of his opponents grief. Plus, he's very good around the opposition's net, which'll be important, especially at the pro level.

All of that joined together with already having played against grown men, and you have a fascinating prospect on your hands.

During Maple Leafs development camp, Hirvonen said he wanted to improve his skating more, to become a shifter player. If he's able to do that, I believe there'll be plenty of success in his future with the Marlies.

"He's a more confident guy," said Maple Leafs assistant GM, Player Development, Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser earlier this summer. 

"He's more powerful and explosive. He had a very long season last year where they played almost 11 months, so he's catching up off the ice in terms of his conditioning and training, which will be the biggest thing for Roni. Because he's a competitor, he's got a good head on him, and sees the ice very well."

Although this season is the first step of Hirvonen's career in North America, it should be noted that it's an important year. If the 21-year-old can impress early on, it's always possible a call-up to the NHL is in the cards. Though he'll have to be really good for that to happen.

Think of the trajectory of Pontus Holmberg. I believe Hirvonen will follow in those same footsteps if he gets off to a fiery start this fall.

Related

Maple Leafs Prospect Rankings #3 - Fraser Minten

Maple Leafs Prospect Rankings #4 - Nick Moldenhauer

Maple Leafs Prospect Rankings #5 - William Villeneuve

Maple Leafs Prospect Rankings #6 - Easton Cowan

Maple Leafs Prospect Rankings #7 - Ty Voit

Maple Leafs Prospect Rankings #8 - Dennis Hildeby

Maple Leafs Prospect Rankings #9 - Keith Petruzzelli

Maple Leafs Prospect Rankings #10 - Artur Akhtyamov and Vyacheslav Peksa

News from THN.com

EA Sports Names Cheryl Pounder as New Color Commentator in NHL 24

David Krejci Announces Retirement After 16 Seasons

Enforcers Week On Film: The Classic That Is, Slap Shot