Toronto Maple Leafs Walk Away From 3 Prospects
The Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Korostelev goes back into the draft, Desrocher, Herzog head to free agency.
The Toronto Maple Leafs closed the door on three prospects selected in the 2013 and 2015 drafts. Unfortunately, none distinguished themselves with standout 2016/17seasons.
Fabrice Herzog, is a 6′ 2, 192 lb. winger, playing in Switzerland for the ZSC Lions. Due to the Toronto Maple Leafs high number of top-end prospects soon to be knocking on the door, it seemed a long shot for the Leafs to offer him a standard player contract.
Furthermore, it was apparent that Herzog has no interest in an AHL deal. His professional contract with the Lions runs through the 2018/19 season. The 22-year-old is a steady winger for the ZSC scoring 9 goals in each of the past two seasons. Selected at 142 of the 2013 draft, the highlight of Herzog’s career is scoring two goals against Canada including the overtime winner at the recent World Championships.
The Toronto Maple Leafs chose Stephen Desrocher and Nikita Korostelev, thirty picks apart in the sixth and seventh rounds of the 2015 draft.
Toronto Maple Leafs Pass on Desrocher
Desrocher is a 6’1, 201 lb. left shooting defenceman. He was a Memorial Cup champion in 2015 skating with the Oshawa Generals and head coach D.J. Smith. Smith is currently an assistant coach under Mike Babcock with the Leafs.
A physical and rugged presence on the blue line, Desrocher played well during 2016/17 season scoring a career high 12g, 39a, 51 pts. Unfortunately for Stephen, the Maple Leafs are loaded on the left side and his play this past season failed to distinguish himself from other young Leafs prospects.
Leafs let Korostelev Walk
First of all, Korostelev 20, was considered a steal when he fell to the Leafs at 185 in 2015. As a result of two mediocre seasons in the OHL, his ranking was possibly accurate. A big physical winger loaded with skill, creativity, and a bullet shot, yet inconsistency has plagued his junior career.
Coaches and teammates never know which Korostelev will show up at the rink. His talent is undeniable and his abilities allow him to score two highlight reel goals at will. Unfortunately, he disappears for large stretches while constantly turning the puck over and neglecting his defensive assignments.
It seems like Korostelev would rather score than work.
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Due to his raw talent, it seems probable a team with an extra late round pick will take a flyer on Korostelev.
If a coach can find his consistency button, he has 1st round talent with a 7th round mental makeup.
As a result of the Leafs walking away, Korostelev, he will re-enter this June’s draft in Chicago. Herzog and Desrocher became free agents at 5 p.m. Thursday, June 1st.
All stats hockeydb.com