Lauren Kelly: Connor Brown
The player I’m most excited to watch in 2016-17 is probably Connor Brown. Don’t get me wrong, I’m very excited to watch Nylander, Marner, and Matthews play as well, but I think Brown could be one of the Maple Leafs’ prospects who surprises in training camp.
He played very well in the few games he played at the end of last season (six points in seven games, which is pretty good for a rookie), so he’s already got some taste of what the NHL game is like, which should make his full-time transition a little easier.
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He had a couple of very impressive games with the Leafs versus Florida and Anaheim, and although it’s not much of a sample size, I do believe his performances in those games were an indication of what is to come.
If the Maple Leafs do send him to the Marlies to start the season, he’s played extremely well as a young player in the AHL, so he’ll likely be one of the team’s first call-ups if and when another player goes down to injury.
I’m also looking forward to seeing which players he develops chemistry with, whether it’s with a veteran centre like Bozak/Kadri or another rookie such as Matthews or Nylander.
Whether or not he has an immediate offensive impact – and it’s more likely that he doesn’t – is what most fans will judge Brown based on; however, what I hope Brown can do is adjust to playing defense in the NHL, as offense comes naturally to him. Once that happens, it won’t be long before he’s established a name for himself on this young, talented roster.
Next: Eddie Razo: Nikita Zaitsev