Maple Leafs Prospect Report: Stephen Desrocher

Jan 16, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Shawn Matthias (23) is greeted at the bench after scoring a goal during the second period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Welcome to another edition of the Maple Leafs Prospect Report. Throughout the NHL season we will be updating you on the development, potential and realistic expectations for key Toronto Maple Leafs prospects with up-to-date stats, analysis and scouting reports.

Despite the win over the Philadelphia Flyers last night that helped the Leafs break all kinds of streaks, Toronto still finds themselves 2nd last in the league at 29th overall. Some fans may be disappointed by this, but the out cry has been rather quiet. President Brendan Shanahan, Coach Mike Babcock and the entire Leafs management group have done an excellent job talking about the “pain” and low expectations for this seasons Toronto Maple Leafs.

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While the Leafs have sunk down the standings, the Toronto Marlies have been cementing their place as the top team in the AHL. The Marlies lead the entire AHL by 7 points in the standings over the 2nd place team and have a ridiculous +58 goal differential. Needless to say, they have been absolutely dominant and have young players leading the way.

The Marlies are not the only ones doing well this season under the Leafs prospect umbrella. This week we’ll be using the Maple Leafs prospect Report to shine some light on how Mark Hunter’s 2015 Draft class is doing so far this year. 2nd on our list, in inverse order of when the Leafs drafted them, from Oshawa and then Kingston with love is…

Stephen Desrocher

Get To Know Him:

Position / Jersey Number: D / 37

Height / Weight: 6ft4 / 198lbs

Age / Shoots: 19 / Left

League / Team: OHL / Oshawa Generals and Kingston Frontenacs

Draft Position: 155th Overall, 6th Round, 2015 Draft, Maple Leafs

The big Canadian boy specializes as a traditional shutdown defenceman and uses his large frame and superior strength to dominate down low and along the boards. While never being confused for an offensive dynamo, Desrocher also has some puck moving abilities and a decent slapper from the point. He is a workhorse capable of logging big time minutes in key defensive matchup situations and was a key member of Oshawa’s leadership group as they won the Memorial Cup last season.

Eliteprospects.com says:

Reliable defender that can eat up minutes due to his smart play in his own end and his strength along the boards. Uses his size to his advantage and protects the puck well. Knows his game inside and out; he knows what he can and can’t do. In this, he knows how to push his limits and break down boundaries. What he can work on would be quicker decision making and quickness through the neutral zone. All-in-all, a well-rounded defenceman who has the tools and the work ethic to be successful moving forward.

Upside: Top 4 Shutdown Dman and Penalty Killing Specialist

Realistic Projection: 7th Dman and Penalty Killing Specialist

Chance Of Becoming NHL Regular: >15%

NHL Ready: 2018-2019

NHL Player Comparable: Jared Cowen

Near the beginning of this season with Oshawa going into rebuild mode after successfully winning the Memorial Cup last year, Desrocher was packaged off to the Kingston Frontenacs. Where he has continued showcasing a slightly underrated offensive game and stellar lockdown defence. In 44 games between the two teams Desrocher has put up 8 goals and 18 assists for 26 points to go along with 28 penalty minutes and a Plus 7 rating. While not mind-blowing offensive numbers, for a guy that was billed almost entirely as a “protect the front of your net and then get off the ice” type of player, it is a nice bonus prize. Desrocher plays a role that all NHL teams love and he does it safely which means the likelihood of him cracking the NHL in any regularity is greater than a player like Korostelev who has so much Boom/Bust potential.

Is Desrocher a steal by Mark Hunter? Does Desrocher have a better chance of becoming an NHL regular than I’ve laid out? Do you have a better comparable for him? As always, feel free to comment below or reach out to me on twitter @TorrinBatchelor and let me know what you think.

Next: Maple Leafs Prospects Report: Nikita Korostelev

Stay Tuned for Dmytro Timashov next time on Maple Leafs Prospect Report.

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