#4. Jeremy Bracco
I’ve been hard on Bracco throughout some articles on Editor in Leaf, but it’s only because he’s so skilled on the ice and I want to see him do it at the NHL-level.
Bracco is an interesting prospect because he’s lit up the AHL, but has yet to get a chance at an NHL lineup.
He had suffered some personal issues this year and there was talk that he requested a trade as well, so it hasn’t been the best of years for Bracco, but there’s still a ton of potential with him.
Bracco is also going to become a Restricted Free Agent this summer, so it could be in the Leafs best interest to get one more look at him before they make a decision on him.
Although it wouldn’t be a costly decision, there could be something he shows in practice, or even if he gets a shot in an NHL game, that makes them want to continue to sign him or look to trade him.
Similar to the argument with having Joseph Woll ready for action, when the NHL returns injuries are far more likely to happen. By not skating for months and being limited to home workouts, it’s possible that players haven’t treated their bodies to the highest degree, so a tweak of a hamstring or groin could be very likely for players.
That’s where Bracco would fit in.
Also, by keeping him on standby and potentially practicing with the team, it would make him feel confident that he’s almost ready for the NHL. There have been a number of players passed over him during his three years with the Marlies, so it would definitely boost his confidence if the Leafs kept him up for the meantime.