Toronto Maple Leafs: Forward Depth Highlighted
Toronto Maple Leafs Forward Depth at Development Camp Headlined by Adam Brooks and Jacob Tortora
The Toronto Maple Leafs 2017 Development camp came to a close last week and the depth of talent was on full display. Timothy Liljegren continued to dominate headlines with his strong outing, new contract, and expected appearance at the Leaf’s Main camp next month. In addition to Liljegren, fans have to acknowledge another narrative that emerged from camp – the team’s staggering depth at forward.
Surprise Free Agent standout Jacob Tortora, and the 2016 4th round pick Adam Brooks impressed on the ice and will be names to watch this season. Although the 17 year-old Tortora has left camp without a contract, he is headed to Boston College to play with fellow camp invitee (G) Joseph Woll. Expect the Leaf’s management to keep tabs on Tortora’s development over the next few seasons, as he will likely finish college before making a jump to the pros.
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As for Adam Brooks, he emerged from an impressive development camp expected to make a case for a spot with the Marlies. Brooks is already 21 and has managed two strong back-to-back campaigns at the WHL level; it will be interesting to see how the 5ft 10 centre fairs at the next level. With the Marlies, the Centre position is not overly deep. Could Brooks push for top 6 minutes this fall?
Who Will Emerge?
Other notable names, Martins Dzierkels and Jeremy Bracco entered camp with high expectations/ Bracco was unfortunately sidelined with Mono. Dzierkels was not much of a standout, but his determination was on full display and he could make a push for a consideration with the Marlies. Dzierkels, Bracco and Brooks join the likes of Dymtro Timashov, Andreas Johnsson, Carl Grundstrom and Kerby Rychel as just a few of the latest young players trying to make an impact within the Toronto Maple Leafs organization. Of those names, who is the favorite to emerge as the next impressive youngster to push for NHL time?
From the top down, there is an abundance of young forward depth vying for a spot with the big club. Making space in future years for the young talent should be the next action item for Lou and the front office. We are already seeing a logjam of youth on the RW with Marner, Nylander, Brown and Kapanen pushing for top 6 minutes, which has left players like Josh Leivo as the odd man out. Expect this to change, as Leivo’s protection in the expansion draft could signal a commitment to increased ice team.
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Is the answer to the logjam found in trading same of the youth and draft picks for help on defense, or can a veteran be moved for assets? While I would not be a proponent for moving out one of the Leaf vets, it is becoming clear that the heavy depth at forward is already causing problems within the organization. How the forward situation unfolds during Training Camp will be a storyline to follow.