Toronto Maple Leafs February AHL Prospect Review

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 11: Kasperi Kapanen #24 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates with team-mate Jason Spezza #19 after scoring the game winning goal against the Arizona Coyotes at the Scotiabank Arena on February 11, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Andrew Lahodynskyj/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 11: Kasperi Kapanen #24 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates with team-mate Jason Spezza #19 after scoring the game winning goal against the Arizona Coyotes at the Scotiabank Arena on February 11, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Andrew Lahodynskyj/NHLI via Getty Images)
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TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 7: Dmytro Timashov #41 of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period at the Scotiabank Arena on February 7, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 7: Dmytro Timashov #41 of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period at the Scotiabank Arena on February 7, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)

LW; Dmytro Timashov, 23, 5’10, 192

NHL (GP; 37, G; 4, A; 5, PTS; 9)

Looking at Timashov’s development has been nothing short of fascinating and confusing. There was a point where Timashov wasn’t thought be a serious bet for the NHL. He had a great junior career, which many pundits thought he was a steal for the Leafs. Then Timashov got the AHL and it completely changed.

Dmytro started his AHL career out on the fourth line and had to work up from there. The issue was that Dmytro never really had a lot of offensive opportunity on the Marlies. His “slice of the pie” was always going to be thin, so he had to change his style of game.

This change came in the form of being a lot more physical and really getting in on the forecheck. Many scouts thought he stayed on the perimeter too often, that he never really engaged physically.

In 37 games this season, Timashov has racked up 77 hits. are we seeing Komarov 2.0 here? Now all jokes aside, it is encouraging to see a player being able to transform his game in order to help the team win.

A part in what makes his path to the NHL a little more clear, is that Timashov signed a 1 way contract worth 694,000. He carries a cheap cap hit, he plays LW and he is on a one way contract. Timashov has been fine in the role he’s been given as well, so kudos to management in seeing another gear in Dmytro.

ETA; Now, Timashov is a regular NHLer.

Potential; Timashov is a top 9 forward, he has the skill, speed and physicality to be able to handle a larger role on the team.