The Toronto Maple Leafs may have hit a home run in the 2016 NHL Draft.
Notice how I say “may have”. I can’t say they have yet because Carl Grundstrom hasn’t played an NHL game for the Toronto Maple Leafs yet. But he’s looking like a sure thing.
The Maple Leafs shocked their fans when they took big Russian forward Yegor Korshkov with the 31st pick of the 2016 draft. While he’s no slouch himself, it was surprising at the time considering some of the other names that were on the board.
One of those names was Grundstrom, who was a projected late first round pick. And the Maple Leafs ended up getting him at 57th overall.
In his draft year, he put up 16 points in 49 games for Frolunda HC of the SHL. While these may not be attention-grabbing totals, he was only 18 at the time, which make for pretty great stats considering he was playing in a league against men. The following season, he put up 20 points in 45 games. This year, he’s already reached a new career high in 13 less games, with 21 points in 32 games.
Keep in mind that this guy is 20 years old.
Why he Might
If Grundstrom pans out the way he’s projected to, he could end up being the next Leo Komarov with ten times the offense. He’s got a knack for goal scoring with 14 goals in 21 games in Sweden, and he plays the exact type of game that Mike Babcock raves about.
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He puts his head down and hustles like no one else to get the puck and win battles in the corners and he isn’t afraid to throw the body. In his prime, he could end up being a middle six forward who can put up 20-25 goals a year and play a reliable defensive game as well.
Totals like the ones Grundstrom put up usually guarantees you an NHL job in North America. He could slot in as the second or third line left wing and push for a solid rookie season.
And what a coincidence, Komarov’s contract is up after this year.
Why he Might Not
The main reason I can think of why he won’t make the team next season is simply development. While his skill level might be NHL ready, he’s only ever played 13 games in North America.
And speaking of which, he fared pretty well. Combining for 11 points in 13 games between the 2017 World Juniors and the Toronto Marlies short-lived playoff run.
However, he has yet to appear in an NHL game. and for somebody who has little experience in North America, tossing him onto the continent’s biggest stage right away might not be such a smart idea. And knowing the Leafs’ brass, they would probably prefer to let him develop in the minors for a little bit and help him adjust to the smaller ice and North American game before giving him a crack at the NHL. You know, patience and such.
Where Will He End Up?
In the end, I think the factor that will decide Grundstrom’s fate across the ocean is a strong training camp and preseason. If he shows up to camp, plays his heart out and proves that he belongs in the NHL, he could easily win a job out of training camp. If he proves to have a couple of flaws, he will likely start with a full season in the AHL.
And there’s nothing wrong with that.
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The Maple Leafs gave fellow Swedish prospect Andreas Johnsson an extra season in the AHL to develop and he looks more than ready for the NHL now, scoring at a point per game pace. For me, Grundstrom would have to stun Leafs’ brass out of their seats if he wants a full time job next season. If not then, you can definitely expect to see him in the blue and white by 2019-20.
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