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Toronto Maple Leafs: Discussing Rumours

By Bruce Harte Ashley |
Jun 30, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello speaks on the phone during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 30, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello speaks on the phone during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Maple Leafs Twitter exploded this morning with rumour of a deal.

While the “rumour”  turned out to stem from this hypothetical Sportsnet piece by Jonathan Willis, it is nevertheless an interesting idea worthy of analysis.  The thought was that the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Panthers are a good match because of the Expansion Draft, and that the Leafs might have interest Panthers defenseman Mark Pysyk.

Pysyk, a 25-year-old 6-1, 200lb right shooting defenceman was acquired by the Panthers from the Buffalo Sabres for Dimitri Kulikov. Willis suggested that the Toronto Maple Leafs might send Connor Carrick, Kerby Rychel and a second round pick in the 2018 draft in exchange.

Mark Pysyk

Mark Pysyk is about to become a restricted free agent, and has struggled with injuries earlier in his career. Pysyk had an injury shortened season with Buffalo and Rochester in 2014-15. In February 2016 he collapsed of an apparent seizure during a 3 on 3 basketball game missing the rest of the  2015-16 season. Finally healthy for an entire season, he played in all 82 games for the Panthers in 2016-17 scoring 4 goals and added 13 helpers for a career-high 17 points. In 207 NHL games, Pysyk has scored 9g, 34a, 43 p.  Despite his pedestrian offensive numbers, he limits shots-against at an elite level.

Pysyk has only really played two (mostly) full seasons and in both of those he has had a possession rating over 50%.   Additionally, he seems to drive possession as his WOWY chart shows that those who skate with him tend to have a higher Corsi Rating than when on the ice without him.

Pysyk’s greatest strength is his ability to skate with the puck and make smart plays with it. Pysyk is not flashy, but he routinely makes excellent first passes and possesses a high hockey IQ. Even though Pysyk leans towards the more offensive side of the game, he does not have a good enough shot to quarterback the first unit power play.Pysyk adjusted quickly to the faster and more physical AHL after four years in the WHL. Management is impressed with Pysyk’s rapid development, making him the front-runner to win a job on the Sabres blue line. In the future, Pysyk projects to be an offensive defenseman who can play on the second pairing.hockeysfuture.com

Connor Carrick

Anyone who reads my posts knows Connor Carrick is one of my favorite prospects. I believe he has the tools to become a mainstay for the Toronto Maple Leafs for years to come. Carrick was acquired with Brooks Laich and a 2nd round pick in the 2016-17 draft in a trade with the Capitals for Daniel Winnick.

Connor Carrick, drafted in the 5th round, by the Capitals in the 2012 draft. Acquired in the second Daniel Winnick trade he is a product of the US Development program Carrick plays bigger than his 5’10 frame would indicate. His biggest flaw is his temper which leads to poor judgement while taking bad retaliatory penalties.An excellent skater with balance and strength, he spent last  season learning Babcock’s systems while playing a defense first style. With élite skating, Carrick is able to jump into the play. His puck skills and vision allows him to find open lanes and create offensive opportunities.A 5th year pro of 120 games, the offensive talent shown in the AHL has yet to translate to the NHL. Carrick will have a break-out year in 2017 scoring upwards of 25 points while anchoring the third pairing.editorinleaf.com

Kerby Rychel

Kerby Rychel was acquired from the Blue Jackets for Scott Harrington and a conditional with round 5 pick in the 2017 draft. Phil Kessel, the gift that keeps on giving. The Marlies leading scorer during the 2016-17 season put up 52 points in 72 games including 19 goals.

Rychel has yet to dress for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Rychel has been a solid a prospect in the AHL system, the former 1st round draft pick is currently 22 years old. And in 37 career NHL games, Rychel has posted 12 career points. He has really shined in the AHL. In 161 career AHL games so far, Rychel as managed to tally 112 points between Springfield, Lake Erie, and Toronto.puckprose.com

My Thoughts

Due to his skill-set, I believe Connor Carrick will become a special player in the NHL. I hope the Toronto Maple Leafs do not trade him. Because Rychel was a 1st round pick who has done well at the AHL level, he should also have a high value.

Pysyk is a defenceman who can skate while bringing size and toughness to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Giving Morgan Rielly a reliable partner while solidifying our top four is a priority.

In my opinion, adding a 2nd round pick in 2018 is an over-payment for Mark Pysyk. I will trust the management to get a proper return for the players and picks we send the Panthers, should this trade go down.

all stats hockeydb.com, hockey-reference.com hockeysfuture.com,

stats.hockey.analysis and Hero Chart from ownthepuck.blogspot.ca

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