Sep 16, 2013; Sunrise, FL, USA; Nashville Predators left wing Brendan Leipsic (40) during a game against the Florida Panthers in the third period at the BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
No.07 – BRENDAN LEIPSIC
Lucky No.07 on our list was the main piece acquired in the Cody Franson trade at last years deadline, Brendan Leipsic. The diminutive speedster (he’s listed at 5ft9 and 165lbs)
He has often been called the most hated player in the AHL for his on-ice shenanigans and phenomenal ability to get under the other teams skin… like this gem:
Hockey’s Future breaks down Brendan Gallagher…. er… Brendan Leipsic for us:
"“Leipsic is a small, energetic winger who hits everything that moves and makes life miserable for his opponents. The speedy forward is offensively skilled, a gifted finisher, and can produce on the power play. He needs to add strength, more consistency throughout the season, and play on the edge without going over the line. The physical winger could project into a top-six forward at the NHL level but at worst, a checker with some offensive upside.”"
Only the third prospect on our list that we all agreed belonged in the Top 20, Leipsic will never be confused in person for Milan Lucic, but when you are watching him on the ice, you could be forgiven for mistaking the two.
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A human, pint-sized battering ram, Leipsic plays like a forward larger than his size. Willing to go into the corners and battle it out in front of the net, his warrior spirit and good foot speed allow him to overcome his miniature frame.
While in the WHL he was a prolific goal scorer, he became more of a pass-first player in his rookie season in the AHL, whether that will continue this season is something we will have to wait and see. While Leipsic will probably never sniff 60 points in an NHL season, and his size will always be a factor he will have to overcome. Leipsic, by all accounts has all the necessary tools to be an NHL regular inside the Leafs 2nd and 3rd forward lines.
While not a liability by any means, his defensive play stands to improve with more seasoning in at the pro level and if he could re-add his former goal scoring prowess to his repertoire of tricks he’d be taking himself to the next level. This will be the highest we see Leipsic on this list, but he will be a Top 20 Young Leafs staple for a few years at least.
Next: No.06