The 2022 tournament is shaping up to be a big one. Like Hirvonen, Topi Niemel had a performance to remember in the 2021 edition of the World Juniors. Niemela, who plays for Oulun Karpat of Finlands SM-Liiga, is currently seventh in league scoring with 24 points in 30 games. It has been something that he has focussed on. All three will be playing pivotal roles for their teams and will look to do the Maple Leafs organization proud. Fraser Minten, left, and Blazers teammate Emmitt Finnie. . They all look up to him but heres this kid who got drafted in the second round by Toronto, Sandland said, quietly laughing to himself. Get a bit more ice time than he did last year, and take on a leadership role. Hes a big part of our power play and hes one of our top penalty killers most nights. A prospect could go from a projected third-round pick to a second-round selection. He was far and away the fastest player on the Marlies, and he didnt look out of place in his few games with the Maple Leafs. Relatively unknown to the Leafs fan base, Amirov was a surprise pick. The Maple Leafs drafted him as an overage prospect in 2019, and he immediately had a breakout season for Harvard in 2019-20 before the season was canceled due to COVID-19. While a majority of Maple Leafs fans will likely cheer on Team Canada, there will be three other prospects representing two other nations to keep an eye on. Lilley says: Its a 19-year-olds tournament. Where most kids would view that practice time on a penalty kill as standing around to let the power play get their reps in, he viewed it as a learning experience. Like hes so good 200 feet. I hope all of the Leafs prospects do well in the tournament. ", Video: VAN@TOR: Robertson fires home a Nylander feed on rush, How acquired: Selected with No. Despite only having three prospects at the World Juniors this year, all three players I mentioned will be worth keeping an eye on as the tournament gets underway in Edmonton and Red Deer. Likely a third-line player, but definite potential to make an impact in the top-six as well. 2021 Top Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect: Nick Robertson. Dave McCarthy After the COVID-19 forced the cancelation of the 2022 World Juniors last winter, the tournament will be restarted on Tuesday in Edmonton, Alberta. It's led by world class players. After winning every game in the preliminary round, USA was upset by Czechia in the quarter finals while Finland won the silver metal after taking Canada to overtime in the gold medal game. He impressed there, putting up 16 points in 21 games in his rookie AHL season, and continued to impress in his sophomore campaign with 28 points in 26 games. But on top of the production, he was also 552 for 1,027 in the faceoff circle (53.7 percent) and he became lethal attacking off the wall on the power play (where he scored 17 of his goals, fourth-most in the WHL). LAVAL, QC - OCTOBER 27: Semyon Der-Arguchintsev #19 of the Toronto Marlies takes a shot near Michael Pezzetta #23 of the Laval . Niemela (5-11, 156) was viewed as a defensive defenseman when he was drafted by the Maple Leafs but has developed into a promising offensive force in his subsequent two seasons. Those who know Minten, and his journey to being selected with the 38th pick in last years draft, say those little stories are revealing as to how he got to where he is. The following season, while still playing in Bedards shadow, Minten still finished just fourth on West Van Academys prep team in scoring. They've got talent.". He plays in the pro league as well playing against men. Toronto is encouraged by his combination of hustle and muscle (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) and sees him as an effective NHL power forward after continued development in college. 64 pick in 2020 NHL Draft, 2021-22 season: Karpat (Liiga): 48 GP, 10-22-32. While no Maple Leafs prospects will be representing Team Canada this year, they will have some representation in North America. Another 18-year-old who will have to earn his ice time. Brandon Lisowsky is having a great season so far with 8 goals and 18 points in 16 WHL games, but it doesnt seem good enough to garner much interest for Team Canada. Hirvonen will be joining Niemela on Team Finland at the 2022 World Junior Championship. The 23-year-old, entering the final year of his entry level contract, was loaned to Vaxjo of Sweden's top professional league last season and responded by averaging almost a point per game. The Toronto Maple Leafs had three prospects playing in the tournament: Roni Hirvonen and Topi Niemel played for Team Finland, and Matthew Knies played on one of the Team USA rosters. Drafted: 2021, 2nd round, 57th overall. We can call it whatever we want, we're all big boys here," Treliving said. What they may not have known, however, is that COVID plus other factors derailed the start of his 2021-22 season. Dubas made a note to single out Mintens hockey IQ, and he brings a strong two-way game along with some sneaky offensive upside. He scored 10 goals and had 32 points in 48 games with Karpat in 2021-22. If theres any prospect Maple Leafs fans are going to be watching closely this year, its Niemela. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. Treliving has a previous history of retaining a coach who was in place when he assumed the role of GM. Age: 19 permissions/licensing, please go to: www.TorontoStarReprints.com. He knows if Im going to be a pro, this is going to need to be something that Im really good at. His shot has gotten a lot harder, his release has gotten quicker, he has become more accurate. July 12, 2022 by Alex Hobson The Toronto Maple Leafs headed into the 2022 NHL Draft in familiar territory as the 2021 NHL Draft, with only three picks in the seven rounds to work with. The Los Angeles Kings have nine players in Edmonton, the Detroit Red Wings have seven prospects, followed by the Anaheim Ducks, the New Jersey Devils and the Leafs with six each. Hirvonen was one of Finlands more clutch players last year and scored some crucial goals for them, and hes relentless on the puck to the point where it gets under his opponents skin. 4-4. "On the ice and off the ice, he wants to know what the best are doing and how they're achieving their fitness standards, for example," Wickenheiser said, "and he really has a plan for himself of where he wants to see himself go. Expect him to slot right back into his role on Finlands top line and improve on last years tournament. Its hard to be optimistic about the draft when you sacrifice your picks for assets in hopes of a deep playoff run each year, only to be let down seven games in. But Minten had to earn that status, a status he now shies away from, through a slow, steady climb. The Maple Leafs signed Alex Steeves as an undrafted free agent following the end of his junior year with the University of Notre Dame, fresh off a 32-point campaign through 29 games. That began to show with a goal against the Petes in Kamloops second game of the Memorial Cup. The Toronto Maple Leafs, on the other hand, only have three players representing at the tournament after 2020 seventh round pick Ryan Tverberg was one of Team Canadas final cuts. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300. A resident of the Midtown Toronto area, David has spent the last 16 years working as a reporter and editor in various roles in sports media. @MapleLeafs prospect Topi Niemela scores on the powerplay for his second point of the night against Team USA pic.twitter.com/bIE5YC6Af4 TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 23, 2020 Niemela, who plays. Kokkonen has been regular on Finlands national junior teams since he was 15, playing above his age bracket and appearing in the world juniors last year at 18. Its good for me to get lots of space and time, and when I have time and space I think I think the game well enough to find and use seams and lanes to get the puck through or make a play.. One of the reasons he was selected is his productive season at the University of Connecticut in the NCAA. Last year, the Toronto Maple Leafs saw prospects Matthew Knies suit up for Team USA and Roni Hirvonen and Topi Niemela play for Finland. Although he didnt take much of a step forward in 2020-21 relative to his draft year, he played well enough to keep his name in the conversation of Maple Leafs top prospects. Height 5'19 Weight 176 lbs [178 cm/80 kg] Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2nd Round, #53 Overall, at the 2019 NHL Draft. At this years tournament, the Toronto Maple Leafs will have four prospects taking part. That comes with being a little older and stronger. Finland will have its sights set on Gold this year. Hes also second among defenseman in scoring, only two points behind the highest-scoring defenseman. Niemela produced at over a point-per-game pace with two goals and six assists in seven games at the 2021 World Juniors and was named the top defenseman for the tournament. Regardless of which team he is playing for, just playing in the tournament will be an incredible experience for him. Hip surgery forced him to miss the entirety of the 2020-21 season, but he wasted no time getting back to doing the things that initially piqued peoples interest in 2019-20. Ive been a fan of Pontus Holmberg ever since the year after they drafted him, and now it seems were going to see what hes truly made of, as he has steadily gotten better each year since the Maple Leafs drafted him. Spencer Knight of the United States makes a save against Roni Hirvonen of Finland during the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images) Although he wasn't the. We're going to sit down and have a thorough process and try to do it as quickly as possible and come to a conclusion.". After rosters were finalized this week, a trio of Leafs draft picks have been selected represent their countries at the 10-team tournament to determine the best U20 IIHF team. ", Video: NHL Tonight on the new General Manager in Toronto. Leafs Prospects; Leafs Prospect Update: Matthew Knies and Ryan Tverberg invited to World Juniors Camps, Rodion Amirov returns to action, William Villeneuve scores overtime winner The 18-year-old has five goals and four assists in 21 games for Assat in Finlands top league. He needs to continue to work on his skating and mobility. EDMONTON, AB - DECEMBER 30: Topi Niemela #7, Roni Hirvonen #22, Anton Lundell #15 and Kasper Simontaival #29 of Finland celebrate a goal against Slovakia during the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship at Rogers Place on December 30, 2020 in Edmonton, Canada. As for his ceiling, I see him as a future top-four defenseman with power play and penalty kill abilities. Welcome to NHL.com, the official site of the National Hockey League, Bienvenue LNH.com , le site officiel de la Ligue nationale de hockey, Tervetuloa NHL:n viralliselle nettisivustolle NHL.comiin, Vlkommen till NHL.com, NHL:s officiella web-sida, Vtejte na NHL.com, oficilnch strnkch National Hockey League, Vitajte na NHL.com, oficilnych strnkach National Hockey League, Willkommen auf NHL.com, der offiziellen Seite der National Hockey League, Bienvenido a NHL.com, el sitio oficial de la National Hockey League. After seeing a considerable amount of time on Finlands top line along with Florida Panthers prospect Anton Lundell and Los Angeles Kings prospect Kasper Simontaival, Hirvonen will return to represent Finland one final time at this years festivities. When he talks about this season, he says the only bump in the road was actually a second injury suffered late in the year that nagged him into the playoffs. Team USA will play Slovakia on the first night (December 26th) of the tournament at 9:30 pm ET. The one aspect of his game that Steeves has going for him more than other prospects is his speed. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. Hes a smart player, hes got excellent speed. The Toronto Maple Leafs have six prospects at the 2021 World Junior Championships in Edmonton. Im more confident throwing checks. Toronto Maple Leafs Prospects Update Nick Abruzzese. He finished the season with 57 points in 65 games along with 16 points in 17 playoff games. Like relentless work ethic. The 23-year-old winger signed a two-year entry-level contract around this time last year, and while nothing has officially been confirmed yet, its more than likely hell play for the Marlies this season. As for his ceiling, I see him in a similar position to that of Steeves. Roni Hirvonens last-minute heroics send through to the #WorldJuniors semifinals pic.twitter.com/aRRyzAtZJt Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) January 2, 2021, Roni Hirvonens last-minute heroics send through to the #WorldJuniors semifinals pic.twitter.com/aRRyzAtZJt. 159 pick in 2018 NHL Draft, 2021-22 season: Vaxjo (SHL): 46 GP, 11-30-41; Toronto (AHL): 6 GP, 2-2-4. pic.twitter.com/wFAL1y5E0E. The 5-foot-11 winger can play centre as well as the wing, and while his plans for next season are unknown as of yet, he could be a prime breakout candidate this season and could jump into my top five next year. Nothing against him as a player, but Canada chose him over some other more suitable players. "I thought within his game, he always had his strong attributes," Toronto AHL coach Greg Moore said. I feel like his game is just going to go to another level, I really do.. All His performance was good enough to earn him defenseman of the tournament honours, and he was a huge factor for the bronze medal-winning Finns. "As I said to him, it's a little bit of a unique situation. Boy oh boy, is Niemela ever a fun prospect. Looking for him to play more, earn some special teams ice time, become more of a leader as a returning player., Drafted: 2020 (second round, 59th overall). The Toronto Maple Leafs have a few prospects eligible to play in the 2023 World Junior Championships which will take place in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Moncton, New Brunswick starting on. If his development goes smoothly, I see his ceiling as a middle-six centre with possible top-six potential on the wing. Im extremely interested to see how he fares in the American Hockey League (AHL) this year, and a full season in the minors should do him good for his development. Difficult cuts. Months later, when Sandland was on a phone call talking about his teams alternate captain, hes recalling that story in explaining how if theres one thing hed like people to know about Minten, its just how humble he is. At his first World Juniors in 2021, Hirvonen scored two goals and added four assists in seven games and helped the national team win a bronze medal at the tournament. My rankings are based on multiple factors including age, recent production, and overall potential. Then after his team suffered an early exit from the playoffs, he joined the Toronto Marlies and tallied four points in six games. Kind of a good all-around player., Anyone can read Conversations, but to contribute, you should be a registered Torstar account holder. But given his style of play, I think hes capable of handling it. Plus, Minten and Islanders prospect Daylan Kuefler were a go-to pair for Clouston on the penalty kill. as hes suffered injuries each year hes been directly in the Maple Leafs system, which has likely prevented him from getting some more looks in the NHL. Though Kamloops played 14 games before falling in the third round to eventual WHL-champion Seattle Thunderbirds, he played in 10 of them and registered four points. On Saturday, March 26th, the Maple Leafs announced that the team signed prospect Nick . So if I had to pick two areas, Id say being more physical and a better shot., This year is pretty much the first time Ive got consistent time on the power play, he said, chuckling. The Toronto Maple Leafs are going to be represented well at the 2022 World Junior Championship. All rights reserved. He currently has seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in 16 games. Lilley says: Hes made really good strides. Nick Abruzzese is another prospect who jumped up the depth chart much quicker than people may have anticipated. Dubas, who was Toronto GM for five seasons and was replaced by Treliving, was hired as president of hockey operations by the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. The 19-year-old's ascension from second-round draft pick to point-a-game player in the NCAA was impressive enough to land him a spot representing the United States at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where he had a goal and an assist in four games. You come back from camp and you realize Wow, these guys are really strong, Ive got to push. So he has definitely been a guy who engages in contact and stays in battles. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images). Earlier this year, when Fraser Minten returned from his time with the Maple Leafs following his selection in the second round of the 2022 NHL Draft and rejoined his Kamloops Blazers, he bumped into the teams assistant general manager, Robbie Sandland, and they got talking. Who do you agree and disagree with? But knock Dubas all you want, his draft classes since he took over GM duties look promising, and should be given a chance to flower before the abilities of him and his scouting team are questioned. He definitely deserves an invite to camp, but if he doesnt make the team this year, hes eligible for the 2024 tournament as well. But its just one piece on top of another (with Minten)., When Minten looks back on how far he has come, he cant even look past this year. Drafted: 2020, 3rd round, 64th overall. ", How acquired: Selected with No. All Rights Reserved. If he reaches the NHL level, his floor is likely a bottom-six checking winger, with his ceiling being a second-line winger with the ability to contribute on the power play. These were the players we came up with. (stats from Eliteprospects.com). Giving him the fairest chance to make the Maple Leafs is the ultimate goal.. Team Finland will play Germany in the tournaments first game on December 26th at 2 pm ET. The 20-year-old's 2021-22 season was derailed early when he sustained a non-displaced fracture of his right fibula in the second game of the AHL season and was out for four months. Daily Hive is a Canadian-born online news source, established in 2008, that creates compelling, hyperlocal content. When they selected him in 2021, the numbers werent all that promising. Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Matthew Knies and the team USA were handed their first loss at the 2022 World Juniors and are going home after falling to Czechia in the quarterfinals. Here is a look at Toronto's most recent prospects news. Hes working on his defence. He has offensive instincts that should land him on the power play. Keefe was promoted to coach by former Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas, who was told a few weeks ago that his contract would not be renewed after the season. Toronto Maple Leafs news fromFanSided Daily, Toronto Maple Leafs and NHL News Update: Matt Murray Back, Toronto Maple Leafs: Happy Birthday to an Historic Landmark, Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect Dazzles at Olympics, Tom Brady Fell Down as Leonard Fournette Threw an Interception in His Direction, Toronto Maple Leafs Prospects Heading to the 2022 Winter Olympics, Josh Ho-Sang, ex Toronto Maple Leaf's on Olympic "Long List", Toronto Maple Leafs: Olympics Are Still Better than World Juniors. When he talks about his game, he talks in similar terms to Clouston. "We want him to dominate every time he steps on the ice," said Hayley Wickenheiser, the Maple Leafs assistant general manager of player development. The Leafs fan base, Amirov was a surprise pick terms to Clouston his style of,! Scored 10 goals and eight assists for 15 points in 30 games other prospects is his speed is based individual... 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