Toronto Maple Leafs: Ranking the Leafs Prospect Pool

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have been known for having the best prospect pool for some years now.

All the big headlined names have played for the Toronto Maple Leafs this past season, including Kasperi Kapanen who might just find his was onto next years roster.

I mean, how do you not include him after the incredible show he put on during his time this past season?

So, he won’t be included in this list.

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However, it’s now time to sit down and rank the top 10 Leafs prospects from worst to best.

And trust me, none of these guys are bad, it’s just a fact that some are better.

What I’m going to do is a quick talent analysis for each player. Quick. I’m really not going into a lot of depth here.

One note, these would be in a different order if we were factoring in the Leafs positional needs, but we’re not.

What I’m doing is simply stating who’s the best here from my perspective.

10. Tobias Lindberg

Lindberg is a big winger. A good presence on the ice capable of making nice plays with the puck.

He’s a utility guy, think of him as someone similar to Zach Hyman.

Mike Babcock could play him in any situation, ultimately, it’ll depend on how he eases into the NHL. Don’t expect him to rack up a lot of points, but do expect him to push for the second line.

9. Andreas Johnson

This guy is a pretty small left winger. I mean small. But, he makes up for it with his above average hockey IQ and speed.

He’s a gritty guy who will work hard each time he’s on the ice and that’s a great quality to have. In the end, he has more offensive instinct than defensive, but that’ll adjust with maturity.

8. Kerby Rychel

Rychel will be known as a two-way player who brings average speed and above average skill to the ice.

He can be a little feisty, but that’s coupled with a decent amount of talent. Hard to pinpoint exactly where he could fit on the Leafs roster as of right now, but he’ll make a push for one.

7. Jeremy Bracco

This kid isn’t going to be sniping top corners or anything like that, but rather passing it to the guys that can. Not saying that he doesn’t have a good shot, I honestly haven’t watched him enough to judge that.

But, he will be a playmaker.

He’s a nifty stick handler and that’ll serve him well in the NHL. If underrated by opponents, Bracco can take control of the situation, which makes him dangerous.

6. Andrew Nielsen

Nielsen is a big defender, over six feet, and 200 pounds. He plays a physical game as a shutdown defenseman capable of offensive outbursts.

He can be a leader on the ice and coupled with his power play prowess, he could be a good fit on the blueline soon.

5. Frederik Gauthier

We’ve seen Gauthier front and center before. The main reason he didn’t stick around the Leafs too long this past season was because of how deep they are at the position.

I know, the Leafs actually have center depth.

Crazy, right?

He can play in almost any situation and that’s just the kind of guy the Leafs will need long-term. Look for him to fill a role if Brian Boyle doesn’t get resigned.

4. Dmytro Timashov

Even his name sounds skillful.

Say it out loud.

D-m-y-t-r-o T-i-m-a-s-h-o-v.

Right?

This kid is an offensive weapon. He plays a rather physical game that suits his style. Could be a nice addition to an arsenal of skillful players on the big club.

3. Travis Dermott

Dermott is another offensive defenseman. And I know what you’re thinking, do the Leafs really need another offensively sound defenseman?

Yes and no.

He’s mobile and can play on either side of the puck. I think he has tremendous upside that might get overlooked due to his size. He’s going to be good for the Leafs, it’s just a matter of slotting him in when he’s ready.

2. Josh Leivo

I love Leivo. I really do. He’s big, not slow, skilled, gritty, physical and a utility guy. Throw him on the penalty kill or power play.

It doesn’t matter.

He’s been tested in the NHL and he’s come out with some good results.

Look for this guy to really make a push for a roster spot come training camp this fall.

1. Brenden Leipsic

Undersized, yes. Skilled, yes.

He’s a playmaker and is naturally gifted with and without the puck. Hard to pick a spot for him on the roster as is the case for so many, but one cannot deny the raw skill Leipsic possesses.

He’s the Leafs best prospect not playing for the team right now, plain and simple.

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