3 Players to Watch at Toronto Maple Leafs Development Camp
No. 3: James Hardie
One of the most intriguing prospects heading to Leafs development camp this weekend is Hardie. Having gone undrafted in the past two NHL Entry Draft’s, Hardie could be someone who earns an Entry Level Contact once this weekend is over.
The Innisfil, ON native spent the last two seasons with the Mississauga Steelheads, but never actually played an OHL game during the 2020-21 season, due to the pandemic.
In 59 games, Hardie finished first on his team in goals with 34, and finished second on his team in points, registering 63. The left-winger clearly has some skill and it would have been interesting to see how his 2020-21 campaign went if there were a season.
Tony Ferrari of DobberProspects mentioned the following about Hardie’s game, but it shouldn’t scare Leafs fans:
"“He is a high-risk project that will need direct attention from a skating and skills coach. If Hardie can take a step in the skating department, he could become a valuable contributor at the next level.”"
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If the Toronto Maple Leafs see enough skill in Hardie, they have one of the best skating coaches in the NHL, with Barb Underhill in charge, so she’ll able to take his game to the next level.