Toronto Maple Leafs Top 10 Prospect List Summer 2019

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 28: Toronto Marlies defenceman Timothy Liljegren (7) passes the puck during the second period of the American Hockey League game between the Toronto Marlies and Cleveland Monsters on November 28, 2018, at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 28: Toronto Marlies defenceman Timothy Liljegren (7) passes the puck during the second period of the American Hockey League game between the Toronto Marlies and Cleveland Monsters on November 28, 2018, at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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MADISON, WI – NOVEMBER 26: Mercyhurst defenseman Joseph Duszak (21) shoots the puck during a college hockey game between the University of Wisconsin Badgers and the Mercyhurst University Lackers on November 26, 2017 at the Kohl Center in Madison, WI. (Photo by Lawrence Iles/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

#6 Joseph Duszak

Duszak signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs as an undrafted free-agent, last year while he was leading the NCAA in defensemen scoring.

The 21 year-old signed a two-year deal with the Leafs, and will look to make an impact this season with the Toronto Marlies (most likely).

Duszak is a right-handed, 5’10 defenseman who moves the puck and plays an offensive game.

Every year there is a hyped up NCAA free-agent, and this year the Leafs signed him.  Previously, they did all right with Tyler Bozak in the same situation, and will be hoping for lightning to strike twice.

Duszak finished the NCAA season with 47 points in 37 games, then played two regular season, and four playoff games with the Marlies, scoring one goal.

Duszak probably has the lowest chance of anyone on this list of playing in the NHL, but his ceiling is very high, which is why he comes in at #6 on this list.

That we don’t think his probability of making the NHL is high is nothing against him, but we only have limited information to judge him.  He played in the NCAA and wasn’t drafted.  It’s hard to compare his numbers to others of his age, but you also can’t ignore the point totals he was putting up.

He’s talented, and he’s definitely starting to get noticed.  At the same time, he’s starting at the bottom of a fairly good depth chart, and has got to compete with guys like Lindgren, Liljegren, Sandin, Hollowell, Holl, Borgman etc. to even get a chance.