Leafs Loft Weekly: June 30th

Here's a recap of the weeks worth of Maple Leaf news prior to NHL Free Agency:

Prospects: Sondre Olden drafted by Erie in Import Draft

Should be a good opportunity for Olden to see quality ice-time. The Otters have a handful of players graduating and will only be able to bring back three over-age players.

Prospects: Maple Leafs make 9 selections at the NHL draft

 

 An interesting draft. No real surprises in round 1, but some interesting selections after that. Some potential big payoffs.

 

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Maple Leafs add Rick Dudley to management staff

One of the best moves the Maple Leafs made at the draft. He should help in evaluating free-agent talent. Speculation is that he'll work at the junior and pro levels.

John-Michael Liles joins Maple Leafs in deal with Avalanche

 

For the price, you can't really beat this. The Maple Leafs needed a top-four, offensive-defender. The Maple Leafs gave up a 2nd in 2012, which can be easily acquired by next draft..

 

Burke: 'We do not intend to be idle bystander' in offseason 

 

Good to see. But actions speak louder than words. He's off to a good start.. but free-agency will be key.

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Contracts: Maple Leafs qualify 7 pending RFAs

 

Not shocked at who they qualified, or who they didn't..

 

Contracts: Maple Leafs ink Luca Caputi

 

Tough go last year for Caputi, he's still young enough to develop into a capable NHL player. Hopefully he can stay healthy.

Contracts: Maple Leafs sign Jay Rosehill

 

Rosehill was awesome for the Marlies last year and played a depth role well for the Maple Leafs. This moves seems like a reward for his progress over the last season, or maybe insurance in case Colten Orr suffers a setback...

NHL Draft 2011: Updated Prospect Selection List (UPDATED AFTER EACH ROUND)

Updated List:

22: Tyler Biggs - USA U-18 (USHL)

25: Stuart Percy - Mississauga (OHL)

86: Josh Levio - Mississauga (OHL)

100: Tom Nilsson - Mora (SweJr)

130: Tony Camranesi - Wayzata (HS-MN)

152: David Broll - Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

173: Dennis Robertson - Brown (ECAC)

190: Garett Sparks - Guelph (OHL)

203: Max Everson - Edina (HS-MN)

NORTH AMERICA

Defense:

Mike McKee – Kent School (HS-CT)
Alex Roach – Calgary (WHL)
Jesse Forsberg – Prince George (WHL)
Joey Laleggia – Penticton (BCHL)
Craig Duinick – Windsor (OHL)
Colin Miller – Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
Matt Petgrave – Owen Sound (OHL)

Forwards:

Adam Reid - USNTDP (USHL)
Barclay Goodrow – Brampton (OHL)
Jean-Francois LeBlanc – Val d’Or (QMJHL)
Zach Franko – Kelowna (WHL)
Brent Benson – Saskatoon (WHL)
Justin Thomas – Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
Zach O’Brien - Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)
Destry Straight – Coquitlam (BCHL)
Austin Wuthrich – USHL USA 18 *** (Injured most of the year)
Sahir Gill (OA) – Boston University (HE)
Dylan Willick – Kamloops (WHL)
Charles Orzetti – New Jersey (EJHL)
Mitch Elliott – Seattle (WHL)
Tanner Sorenson – Shattuck St. Mary’s (USHS)

...

EUROPE

Forward:

Jeremy Boyce-Rotevall – Timra (SWE)
Adam Pettersson – Skelleftae (SWE)
Thomas Spelling – Herning (Denmark)
John Norman – Djurgarden (SWE)
Nicolai Meyer – Malmo (SWE-J20)
Pontus Netterberg – HV71 – J20 (SWE)
Konstantin Komarek – Lulea (SWE-J20)
Ponthus Westerholm – Malmo U20 (SWE)

Defense:

Zakhar Arzamastsev – Metallurg Novokuznetsk (KHL)
Albert Yarulin – Bars Kazan (MHL)
Albin Blomqvist – Linkoping (SWE-J20)
Victor Berglind – Brynas (SWE)
Pascal Zerressen – Krefeld (DEL)

NHL Draft 2011: It's Here! & My Picks!

First off, I’d like to say WOW to those Philly deals. I mean, we all could see the Carter one coming, but Richards? No chance. Fact the Maple Leafs were in on it blows my mind even more. But that’s all I’m going to talk about that. I think it’s an interesting deal on both sides.

Here’s my top 3 picks, using Bob McKenzie’s final rankings on who I want at 25, 30 and 39! Although I have favourites that are Russians such as Alexander Khoklachev and Nikita Kucherov, I’m going to leave them off the list as I don’t think Burke will be selecting them.

I’d also add, given the depth at the end of the first round, I can’t see a scenario where (if they keep the picks) I’d be disappointed. I’d be a bit more critical if it was a top 10 pick, but at this point I’m open to many selections.

“With the 25th overall selection, the Toronto Maple Leafs are proud to select...”

Matthew Puemple – Peteborough Petes (OHL)
Position: Left Wing, Height: 6-0, Weight: 198lbs
55 GP: 34 G, 35 A, 69 PTS
(Ranked 27th by TSN)

In honesty, I don’t think he’ll be here, but if he is he’s my first pick. He’s a great scorer and has natural offensive abilities that you can’t teach. He can play multiple roles if needed, but he’s primarily an offensive player – and one of the best in this draft in my eyes.

Ty Rattie – Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Position: Right Wing, Height: 5-11, Weight: 170lbs
67 GP: 28 G, 49 A, 79 PTS
(Ranked 25th by TSN)

Highly-skilled, but a bit undersized, Rattie has great vision and is an offensively gifted forward. He’s drawn comparisons to Patrick Sharp; he projects as a second-line player who may be able to fill in top-line duties in a pinch. His offensive creativity would be a warm welcome to the Maple Leafs system.

Boone Jenner – Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Position: Centre, Height: 6-1 Weight: 194lbs
63 GP: 25 G, 41A , 66 PTS
(Ranked 26th by TSN)

Unlikely to be a top-line guy, Jenner is going to be a multi-purpose forward who a coach could put into any position. Leadership qualities, a never-quit attitude, and a three-zone player is what you can expect from Jenner. He may be seen as a lower-risk player compared to others who will be available at this spot.

Other prospects I like, but I think will be gone by 25: Jonathan Miller (ranked – 18th), Ty Biggs (ranked – 15th), Oscar Klefbom (ranked – 21st)

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“With the 30th overall selection, the Toronto Maple Leafs are proud to select...”

Connor Murphy – USA U-18 (USHL)
Position: Defence, Height: 6-3, Weight: 185lbs
22 GP: 6 G, 4 A, 10 PTS
(Ranked 30th by TSN)

Missed a big chunk of the year, but really won me over at the U-18s. You see that he has some serious potential in the way he controls the ice at both ends. At 6’3 and 185 he has tons of filling out to do, but the tools are hard to ignore – specifically on the offensive side of things. A kid who will take a few years to mature, but potential top-four payout.

Scott Mayfield – Younstown Phantoms (USHL)
Position: Defence, Height: 6-4, Weight: 197lbs
52 GP: 7 G, 9 A, 16 PTS
(Ranked 46th by TSN)

A stretch where TSN has him ranked, but I think when you have a guy whose biggest knock seems to be that he needs some better coaching, you nab him. Mayfield has some desirable natural abilities, he’s a bit of a high-risk guy at the moment and needs to round his game – but he’s heading to college where he’ll be able to mature.

Stuart Percy – Mississauga St. Michaels Majors (OHL)
Position: Defence, Height: 6-1, Weight: 184lbs
64 GP, 4 G, 29 A, 33 PTS
(Ranked 34th by TSN)

Another player who could be considered a safe pick is Stuart Percy. He’s not going to be a top-end, flashy player, but he’ll be a solid two-way guy. Had a bit of a coming out party in the Memorial Cup, he’s a smart player who is a very mature defenseman. He was a player of interest for the Maple Leafs at the combine.

(Since the picks are so close together, there’s potential for one of those three I listed to squeak to 30th. I’ll give Tomas Jurco an HM at this point)

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“With the 39th overall selection, the Toronto Maple Leafs are proud to select...”

Brett Ritchie – Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Position: Right Wing, Height: 6-3, Weight: 210lbs
49 GP, 21 G, 20 A, 41 PTS
(Ranked 36th by TSN)

With great size and a touch around the net, it wouldn’t shock me to see Ritchie as a late-round selection. He’s not the most aggressive player with his size, but that could be something he grows into in the future. He missed time with mono, but he’s a very good player at this spot.

Lucas Lessio – Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Position: Left Wing, Height: 6-1, Weight: 196lbs
66 GP, 27 G, 27 A, 54 PTS
(Ranked 38th by TSN)

Some have questioned Lessio’s offensive ability at the top-end, I haven’t. He has pedigree being a big-time scorer before coming into the OHL. There have been questions around his game-to-game consistency, but I feel being drafted by his favourite NHL team will give him that necessary push. He plays the game like a pro, and knows his strengths. He was a rookie in the OHL this past season, so expect bigger things next year.

Reid Boucher – USA U-18 (USHL)
Position: Center, Height: 5’10, Weight: 192lbs
57 GP: 32 G, 22 A, 54 PTS
(Not ranked by TSN)

A stretch? Maybe. But this kid is a player who just finds ways to put the puck in the back of the net. If for some reason he falls to the 3rd round where the Maple Leafs pick, I’d be all over him. He’s not big, but he’s strong on his skates and has the gift of finding the open ice. Skating speed has been questioned, but at the U-18 I didn’t see it as a ‘big’ issue. At least, not one that would deter me from taking him.

Other prospects I like, but I think will be gone between 31-38: Stefan Noesen (ranked – 33rd), Rickard Rakell (ranked – 32), Dmitri Jaskin (ranked – 35th)

NHL Draft 2011: 115 Names of Interest

Here's my 'list' I guess, of players I've had interest in. I've shaved it down a bit from 140ish. It's not pretty, it's just a list of names I'll be checking off as they are picked over Friday and Saturday.

I excluded players I thought wouldn't be around on Friday night. So you won't see a lot of the popular ranked top-20 names.

Here it is. No goalies are included, but I'll say if I have to take a late-round gamble I would select London Knights goaltender Michael Houser. I broke the list into defenders, and forwards. Also split the Europeans. Is it in order of who I want? For the most part.

(Sorry in advance for any spelling errors):

NORTH AMERICA

Defense:

1. Scott Mayfield – Youngstown (USHL)
2. Joe Morrow – Portland (WHL)
3. Stuart Percy – Missisauga (OHL)
4. Ryan Sproul – Sault St. Marie (OHL)
5. Adam Clendening – Boston (HE)
6. Connor Murphy – USNTDP (USHL) *** Injured most of the year
7. David Musil – Vancouver (WHL)
8. Patrick Koudys – Rensselaer (ECAC)
9. Joel Edmundson – Moose Jaw (WHL)
10. Brenden Kichton – Spokane (WHL)
11. Robbie Russo – USNTDP (USHL)
12. Mike McKee – Kent School (HS-CT)
13. Xavier Ouellet – Montreal (QMJHL)
14. Michael Paliotta – USNTDP (USHL)
15. Alex Roach – Calgary (WHL)
16. Zach Yuen – Tri City (WHL)
17. Justin Sefton – Sudbury (OHL)
18. Frank Corrado – Sudbury (OHL)
19. Dillon Simpson – North Dakota (WCHA)
20. Troy Vance – Victoriaville (QMJHL)
21. Jesse Forsberg – Prince George (WHL)
22. Joey Laleggia – Penticton (BCHL)
23. Craig Duinick – Windsor (OHL)
24. Dylan Demelo – Mississauga (OHL)
25. Colin Miller – Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
26. Matt Petgrave – Owen Sound (OHL)
27. Sam Jardine – Camrose (AJHL)
28. Samuel Noreau – Baie Comeau (QMJHL)

Forwards:

1. Matt Puempel – Peterborough (OHL)
2. Boone Jenner – Oshawa (OHL)
3. J.T. Miller – USNTDP (USHL)
4. Nicklas Jensen – Oshawa (OHL)
5. Tyler Biggs – USNTDP (USHL)
6. Stefan Noesen – Plymouth (OHL)
7. Alexander Khokhlachev – Windsor (OHL)
8. Tomas Jurco – Saint John (QMJHL)
9. Brett Richie – Sarnia (OHL)
10. Rocco Grimaldi – USNTDP (USHL)
11. Zack Phillips – St. Johns (QMJHL)
12. Reid Boucher – USNTDP (USHL)
13. Lucas Lessio – Oshawa (OHL)
14. Rickard Rackell – Plymouth (OHL)
15. Nick Cousins – Sault. St. Marie (OHL)
16. Daniel Catenacci – Sault St. Marie (OHL)
17. Matthew Neito – Boston (HE)
18. Seth Ambroz – Omaha (USHL)
19. Phillip Danault – Victoriaville (QMJHL)
20. Michael St. Croix –Edmonton (WHL)
21. Shane Prince – Ottawa (OHL)
22. Travis Ewanyk – Edmonton (WHL)
23. Marcel Noebels (WHL) – Seattle (WHL)
24. Adam Lowry – Swift Current (WHL)
25. Michael Mersch – Wisconsin (WCHA)
26. Vincent Trocheck – Saginaw (OHL)
27. Blake Coleman – Indiana Ice (USHL)
28. T.J. Tynan – Univ. Of Notre Dame (NCAA)
29. Alan Quine – Peterborough (OHL)
30. Olivier Archambault – Val d’Or (QMJHL)
31. Kale Kessy – Medicine Hat (WHL)
32. Logan Shaw – Cape Breton (QMJHL)
33. Ryan Tesnik – Saint Johns (QMJHL)
34. Joseph Camarossa – Mississauga (OHL)
35. Anthony Camara – Saginaw (OHL)
36. Adam Reid - USNTDP (USHL)
37. Austen Brassard – Belleville (OHL)
38. Joshua Leivo – Sudbury (OHL)
39. Marek Tvrdon – Vancouver (WHL)
40. Barclay Goodrow – Brampton (OHL)
41. Jean-Francois LeBlanc – Val d’Or (QMJHL)
42. Brian Ferlin – Indiana (USHL)
43. Zach Franko – Kelowna (WHL)
44. Chase Balisy (OA) – Western Michigan University (CCHA)
45. Brent Benson – Saskatoon (WHL)
46. David Broll – Sault. St. Marie (OHL)
47. Andy Anderoff – Oshawa (OHL)
48. Joel Lowry – Victoria (BCHL)
49. Andrew Shaw – Owen Sound (OHL)
50. Justin Thomas – Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
51. Zach O’Brien - Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)
52. Destry Straight – Coquitlam (BCHL)
53. Travis Boyd – USNDTP (USHL)
54. Petr Placek – Hotchkiss School (USHS)
55. Austin Wuthrich – USHL USA 18 *** (Injured most of the year)
56. Sahir Gill (OA) – Boston University (HE)
57. Dylan Willick – Kamloops (WHL)
58. Charles Orzetti – New Jersey (EJHL)
59. Mitch Elliott – Seattle (WHL)
60. Tanner Sorenson – Shattuck St. Mary’s (USHS)

...

EUROPE

Forward:

1. Viktor Rask – Leksand (SWE)
2. Dimitri Jaskin – Slavia (Cze Jr)
3. Nikita Kucherov - CSKA-Krasnaja Armija Moskva (MHL)
4. Jeremy Boyce-Rotevall – Timra (SWE)
5. Markus Granlund – HIFK U20 (Finland)
6. Gregory Hofmann – Ambri-Piotta (Switzerland)
7. Adam Pettersson – Skelleftae (SWE)
8. Johan Sundstrom – Frolunda (SWE)
9. Joachim Nermark – Linkoping (SWE)
10. Thomas Spelling – Herning (Denmark)
11. John Norman – Djurgarden (SWE)
12. Pathrik Westerholm – Malmo U20 (SWE)
13. Nicolai Meyer – Malmo (SWE-J20)
14. Pontus Netterberg – HV71 – J20 (SWE)
15. Konstantin Komarek – Lulea (SWE-J20)
16. Ponthus Westerholm – Malmo U20 (SWE)

Defense:

1. Oscar Klefbom – Farjestad (SWE)
2. Jonas Brodin – Farjestad (SWE)
3. Zakhar Arzamastsev – Metallurg Novokuznetsk (KHL)
4. Albert Yarulin – Bars Kazan (MHL)
5. Albin Blomqvist – Linkoping (SWE-J20)
6. Klas Dahlbeck - Linkoping (SWE)
7. Alexei Marchenko – CSKA Moskva (KHL)
8. Mattias Backman – Linkoping (SWE)
9. Victor Berglind – Brynas (SWE)
10. Pascal Zerressen – Krefeld (DEL)
11. Peter Ceresnak - Team Slovakia U20 (SLV)

NHL Draft 2011: Who to pick!? (Part 2: Defense Edition)

Here's part 2 on who to pick, the defensive edition!

"My Maple Leafs need an offensive-stud from the back-end dude!"

Top Rounds (1-2): Who doesn't like an offensive-stud on the point? Oskar Klefbom, if he sneaks to you, would be a great addition. He's big, has strong offensive instincts and projects very well at the next level as a top-four!

Others to watch: Joe Morrow (Portland - WHL), Ryan Sproul (Sault Ste. Marie - OHL), Adam Clendening (Boston - NCAA)

Mid Rounds (3-5): Xavier Ouellet (Montreal - QMJHL): A big enigmatic at times, but he has the tools to be a good offensive contributor from the back-end. Could stand to produce even bigger offensive numbers next season. Potential to be a 2nd rounder too.

Late Rounds (6-7): Frank Corrado (Sudbury - OHL) A Rolling the dice on this second-year defender wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. Strong skater who plays a high-risk game.

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"I want my Maple Leafs defensemen to ya know, play defense? Give me a shut-down guy!"

Top Rounds (1-2): Rock solid D can make you a championship squad. Look no further than David Musil if you want that steady influence on the back-end. Has hockey bloodlines as dad played almost 800 career NHL games.

Others to watch: Joel Edmundson (Moose Jaw - WHL), Tyler Wotherspoon (Portland - WHL)

Mid Rounds (3-5): Jonathan Racine (Montreal - QMJHL): Tough and defensive minded define Racine. He'll protect team mates, block shots, and is strong 1-on-1.

Late Rounds (6-7): Samuel Noreau (Baie-Comeau - QMJHL): Feared combatant. Noreau punishes opposing players. Like most his size (6'5) he'll need to focus on improving his footwork.

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"I want the best of both worlds! Find me a Maple Leafs defender who can do it all!"

Top Rounds (1-2): The two-way defender is a much sought after commodity. If all the pieces fall into place Scott Mayfield may be the best of the bunch. At 6'4 he has the tools to be physically imposing, but also can jump into the rush. Big season for him next year.

Others to watch: Stuary Percy (Mississauga - OHL), Connor Murphy (USA U-18), Brendan Kitchon (Spokane - WHL)

Mid Rounds (3-5): Mike McKee (Kent - USHS): Mammoth defender who has intriguing upside. Solid at both ends of the ice, most would like to see him vs. better competition.

Late Rounds (6-7): Colin Miller (Sault. Ste. Marie - OHL): Like teammate Sproul, he's a developing defender who's raw, but has interesting potential. Good at both ends of the ice, next year will be big for him. He was a rookie this past season.

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NHL Draft 2011: Who to pick!? (Part 1: Forwards Edition)

With the amount of depth through this draft, it can get a bit nuts trying to figure out who to pick (imagine how the scouts feel!). I'm going to try and give an overview of players who may be available that fit certain criteria and in what round they may go.

First up, the Forward talent:

"I'd love my Leafs to snag a sniper in this draft!":

Top Rounds (1-2): If you are looking for a sniper in this draft, Matt Puemple is probably the player to pick. He's not a big guy, and has a similar Jeff Skinner type ability to score. Doesn't blow you away, but he just gets the job done! Arguably the most gifted sniper in the draft!

Others to watch: Tomas Jurco (Saint Johns - QMJHL), Rocco Grimaldi (USA-U18), Nikita Kucherov (RUS)

Mid Rounds (3-5): Reid Boucher (USA-U18): small forward with big time offensive instinct

Late Rounds (6-7): Pathrik Westerholm (Malmo - Allsvenskan): magic with twin brother Pontus, but the goalscorer of the two. re-enters the draft this year. Should garner a selection this time around.

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"The Maple Leafs need a play-making forward!"

Top Rounds (1-2): Ty Rattie is your man if you are looking for a creative play-making forward. He can dish the puck and has great hands! Sees the ice very well, but needs to add some bulk over the next few years.

Others to watch: Zach Phillips (Saint Johns - QMJHL), Alexander Khoklachev (Windsor - OHL),

Mid Rounds (3-5): T.J. Tynan (Notre Dame - NCAA): Was not just a top rookie scorer in the NCAA, but a top offensive player in the nation. Passed over last year, won't be this time.

Late Rounds (6-7): Zack O'Brien (Arcadie-Bathurst - QMJHL) : Arguably, he's more sniper than play-maker, but he's the total offensive package. Size is an issue, but he's a strong skater, strong first year in QMJHL

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"Size baby! Bring on those character power forwards!"

Top Rounds (1-2): Looking for someone big? Why not try Tyler Biggs. The captain of the USA U-18 team is a power-forward in the truest sense. He projects well at the next level and should be a player in some capacity.

Others to watch: Brett Ritchie (Sarnia - OHL), Dmitri Jaskin (Cze), Seth Ambroz (Omaha - USHL)

Mid Rounds (3-5): Michael Mersch (Wisconsin- NCAA): Big body winger who plays a physical game. Won't produce much in offensive numbers, but he's a valuable mid-round commodity. Needs to improve skating. Will have time to round game in college.

Late Rounds (6-7): Thomas Spelling (Denmark) Another sizable winger who's playing in the mens league in Denmark. Putting up good numbers too. Needs to add weight.

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"I want the complete package forward on my Maple Leafs!"

Top Rounds (1-2): Jonathan Miller is your guy if you can manage to land him. He's a Ryan Kesler type who can play in a number of situations. While offensive contribution has been questioned, he did a great job displaying offensive talent at the U-18s for USA.

Others to watch: Boone Jenner (Oshawa - OHL), Stefan Noesen (Plymouth - OHL), Rickard Rakell (Plymouth, OHL)

Mid Rounds (3-5): Ryan Tesink (Saint John - QMJHL): Keeps the motor going at all times even though he's very thin at the moment. Has overall ability and should round out strongly as he matures.

Late Rounds (6-7): Blake Coleman (Indiana - USHL) Blew away the competition this year in the USHL. Great overall offensive skill and a hard-worker. Could even go mid-round on draft day. Another re-entree. Heading to Miami next year.