What makes Niemelas role even more important is that he was drafted for the advanced defensive instincts he possessed for his age, which makes his newfound offensive ability that much more of a pleasant surprise. Mike Zeisberger, Stanley Cup Final | Avalanche vs. And while a strong tournament, as each of the Leafs' prospects are expected to have, doesn't. Was Lou Lamoriello as Good as Maple Leafs Fans Remember? Founded in 2009, The Hockey Writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything hockey. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. All Artur Akhtyamov (G) entered this season as arguably the Leafs' top goalie prospect, but his season has been up and down. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images). His performance was good enough to earn him defenseman of the tournament honours, and he was a huge factor for the bronze medal-winning Finns. Kokkonen has been regular on Finlands national junior teams since he was 15, playing above his age bracket and appearing in the world juniors last year at 18. permissions/licensing, please go to: www.TorontoStarReprints.com. presentation-ready copies of Toronto Star content for distribution Niemela will be defending his title as the top defenseman from last years tournament. Lilley says: Hes made really good strides. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. Kind of a good all-around player., Anyone can read Conversations, but to contribute, you should be a registered Torstar account holder. His skills have been on full display for the University of Minnesota so far in 2021-22, and his impressive start should be enough to earn him some proper looks in Team USAs top six. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Alan Millar calls Ryan Tverberg (TOR) one of the two most improved players in the Hockey Canada program during the evaluation process this year. NHL, the NHL Shield, the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup, Center Ice name and logo, NHL Conference logos, NHL Winter Classic name, and The Biggest Assist Happens Off The Ice are registered trademarks and the Stanley Cup Playoffs logo, Stanley Cup Final logo, Stanley Cup Qualifiers name and logo, NHL.TV, Vintage Hockey word mark and logo, The Game Lives Where You Do, NHL Winter Classic logo, NHL Heritage Classic name and logo, NHL Stadium Series name and logo, NHL All-Star logo, NHL Face-Off name and logo, NHL Premium, NHL After Dark, NHL GameCenter, NHL GameCenter LIVE, NHL Network name and logo, NHL Tonight name and logo, On The Fly, NHL Network Showdown name and logo, NHL Awards name and logo, NHL Draft name and logo, NHL Mascots, Hockey Fights Cancer, Because It's The Cup, NHL Green name and logo, NHL Vault, Hockey Is For Everyone, NHL Thanksgiving Showdown name and logo, NHL Centennial Classic name and logo, NHL Centennial Season logo, NHL100 Classic name and logo, NHL Global Series name and logo, NHL China Games name and logo, NHL Power Players name and logo, NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe name and logo, NHL Street name and logo, and Don't Miss A Moment are trademarks of the National Hockey League. The 5-10, 177-pounder scored 55 goals in 46 games in his final year with Peterborough of the Ontario Hockey League in 2019-20 and will be looked upon to provide offense in the NHL this season. "One thing he really elevated was his shot selection and choosing when and where to shoot the puck. The Toronto Maple Leafs have a few prospects eligible to play in the 2023 World Junior Championships which will take place in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Moncton, New Brunswick starting on. This is a great opportunity to compare him against his peers, the top players in his own age group. Akhtyamov is no slouch, though. Somehow though, the Pittsburgh-born youngster hasnt been given the chance to help the United States in their quest for World Juniors gold. ", How acquired: Selected with No. Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Ty Voit has somehow been overlooked when it comes to the USA World Juniors camp. 159 pick in 2018 NHL Draft, 2021-22 season: Vaxjo (SHL): 46 GP, 11-30-41; Toronto (AHL): 6 GP, 2-2-4. Whatever the state of affairs within the United States hockey program, its a massive oversight to leave Ty Voit out. As good as Akhtyamov has been in the KHL and two lower leagues, hes not expected to get much ice time in the tournament with teammate Yaroslav Askarov seen as the next big thing in goaltending. Finally,Niemel is probably the hardest to predict. The tournament kicked off on August 10 and the Maple Leafs have three prospects playing in the tournament. Also, it just broke today that they will forfeit their second game as there has been more than one player who has tested positive for Covid-19. The Kamloops Blazers centre and 2022 Maple Leafs second-round draft pick recently finished a six-hour bus trip . Jan 10, 2023. They selected him with the #213th overall pick in that draft. He needs to continue to work on his skating and mobility. Lets hope this doesnt derail USAs tournament as theyre poised to really make some noise and defend their gold medal from last year. Mintens injury to start the season might slightly hamper his chances at making the team, but he has 3 goals and 11 points in 7 WHL games since returning. All rights reserved. ", How acquired: Selected with No. He makes a good first pass and jump into the play. expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Toronto (Hirvonen) can be good on the power player and everything else. He beats you offensively and on defence., Anyone can read Conversations, but to contribute, you should be a registered Torstar account holder. World Juniors 2020: Breakdown of every NHL teams' prospects | Sporting News Canada MIN DAL 12:00p -154 ANA WIN 12:00p -256 DET CBJ 3:00p SJ BUF 4:00p CHI NYI 4:30p VGS BOS Mon, 4:00p COL PHI Mon,. Here's this week's look at some of the Toronto Maple Leafs prospects and how they're doing at the major junior level. rights reserved. The Toronto Maple Leafs may be on hiatus, but some of their prospects are keeping busy at the World Juniors. TLN's 2022-23 Midseason Leafs Prospect Rankings: Prospects 10-6. But knock Dubas all you want, his draft classes since he took over GM duties look promising, and should be given a chance to flower before the abilities of him and his scouting team are questioned. Right now, there is already a log-jam of defensemen in the line-up, though the fact he shoots right might very well smooth his path to the Leafs. Build your customFanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis onToronto Maple Leafs and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. Now he's older and will likely have a more prominent role for the team. Brandon Lisowsky is having a great season so far with 8 goals and 18 points in 16 WHL games, but it doesnt seem good enough to garner much interest for Team Canada. Still the tournament is off to a great start with a number of NHL prospects leading the charge and some 2023 NHL Draft eligibles making noise for their respective countries. Founded in 2009, The Hockey Writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything hockey. Auston Matthews, Calle Jarnkrok, Conor Timmins, Zach Aston-Reese and Timothy Liljegren also scored for Toronto, which swept its three-game season series with the Flyers. If you do not yet have a Torstar account, you can create one now (it is free), Copyright owned or licensed by Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. 553 Knies has been taking reps on Team USAs second line alongside 2022 draft eligible prospect Logan Cooley and Florida Panthers prospect Mackie Samoskevich. The Leafs will have six prospects three with Russia and three with Finland competing at the 2021 world junior hockey championship in Edmonton, starting on Dec. 26. I hope all of the Leafs prospects do well in the tournament. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images). Nikita Korostolev 11-2-16 | KIT @ SAR | 1G 0A 1P | -1 Now, surely we cant pretend to assume Thompson wouldve been a World Junior star, but the fact is the Maple Leafs moved another top three-round pick for a mediocre acquisition. We look forward to seeing him in this tournament. Related: 2022 World Junior Championship Team Finland Final Roster. They grabbed notable names like Rodion Amirov in the first round, Roni Hirvonen in the second round and Topi Niemel in the third round. Hockey Canada Director of Player Personnel said that Tverberg was among the most improved players at selection camp and was one of the toughest cuts to make. Today, the top five prospects for the Toronto Maple Leafs, according to NHL.com. One of the Maple Leafs best forward prospects, Semyon Der-Arguchintsev is a trade candidate leading up to the 2023 deadline. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images). Good skater. Like Kokkonen, hes played above his age bracket most of his teenaged career. With the process we go through, we compile lists, and we have had lots and lots of Canadians on our lists, but the way the lists go, we just havent had those guys in the spots where we were picking, said Lilley, a Leafs scout since 2006. 53 pick in 2019 NHL Draft, 2021-22 season: Toronto (AHL): 28 GP, 16-12-28; Toronto (NHL): 10 GP, 1-0-1. The 20-year-old is under contract with HIFK in Finland's top professional league but it's still undetermined whether he'll return this season. Sign up for our regular 'Maple Leafs Newsletter' for all the latest. He has offensive instincts that should land him on the power play. While we all know the health concerns around Amirov, both Hirvonen and Niemel played for their country at the World Junior tournament on multiple occasions with Niemel even being recognized as the tournaments top defenceman in 2021, earning bronze in 2021 and silver at the 2022 tournament. Instead, guys like Noah Laba, Tyler Boucher and Sam Lipkin got call-ups when theyre useful role players but have hardly stood out this season on their respective teams. Related: 2023 Guide to the World Junior Championship. 72. With Seattle Kraken prospect Matthew Beniers and Calgary Flames prospect Matthew Coronato set to lead the charge for the States, Knies has an opportunity to step into a big secondary role for the United States. The Toronto Maple Leafs may be on hiatus, but some of their prospects are keeping busy at the World Juniors. It was a really good experience, Hirvonen said. Braeden Kressler is an interesting prospect. Some might consider these sacrifices made by a club that has been a perennial first-round exit for the past six seasons. Its telling that the Team USA roster has all but completely shunned the CHL (only 2 call-ups play in the CHL). Of course, were talking about Matthew Knies, wholl likely be starring in the United States top-six when they kick off their campaign versus Germany. Absolutely, Ty Voit is undersized and may never be a regular NHL player with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a result. So what happened to the picks that couldve been? They selected him with the #64th overall pick. NHL Prospect Roundup: Toronto Maple Leafs' Joseph Woll is a brick wall. Some teams fear Russian players will choose to play in the lucrative KHL. Surely its not the end of the world for a team to not have a representative at this best-on-best tournament, but it is a compliment to have prospects competing for gold year in and year out. Hes a smart player, hes got excellent speed. He provides analysis on the top draft-eligible players, prospects drafted by NHL teams and all other relevant prospect information. He's putting up nearly a point a game in the minors and showed well . No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. In Finlands seven games, Roni Hirvonen had seven points and Niemela had six points. But, for the first time since 1982, the Toronto Maple Leafs won't have a single prospect taking part in this year's World Juniors. For those players that have not been drafted yet, playing well at a tournament such as this can do wonders for their draft position. And with fans expected to be back in the buildings, this years festivities will be extra fun to keep tabs on.Team CanadaPlayers to WatchRosterTeam USAPlayers to WatchRosterTeam AustriaPlayers to WatchRosterTeam CzechiaPlayers to WatchRosterTeam FinlandPlayers to WatchRosterTeam GermanyPlayers to WatchRosterTeam LatviaRosterTeam SlovakiaRosterTeam SwedenPlayers to WatchRosterTeam SwitzerlandPlayers to WatchRoster, Guide to the 2022 World Junior Championship, 2022 World Juniors Schedule, Groups, Rosters, Predictions & More, Predictions for the 2022 World Junior Championship, 2022 World Juniors: 2023 Draft-Eligible Players to Watch, 6 Predictions for the 2022 World Junior Championship. Hes been taking Finlands top pro league by storm this year, so one can only imagine what hell be able to do with a years worth of experience and training under his belt after he was already named the tournaments top defenseman once. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound winger had an impressive freshman season for the University of Minnesota, tallying 15 goals and 33 points in 33 games. The same day the Maple Leafs landed Foligno, they also acquired David Rittich from the Calgary Flames for their 2022 third-round pick. They've known each other since they were kids. If you do not yet have a Torstar account, you can create one now (it is free), Copyright owned or licensed by Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. Its improving all the time., Pennanen sees the NHL in Hirvonens future: Of course it could take some time, but I think he has a chance to reach that level some day.. The fact he was picked in the second round back at the 2020 NHL Entry Draft points to the Toronto Maple Leafs seeing something in him. EDMONTON, AB - DECEMBER 30: Topi Niemela #7, Roni Hirvonen #22, Anton Lundell #15 and Kasper Simontaival #29 of Finland celebrate a goal against Slovakia during the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship at Rogers Place on December 30, 2020 in Edmonton, Canada. Firstly, the Maple Leafs were so close to having a prospect in the tournament had Voit been considered for the U.S. team. With three players headed to the World Juniors, Toronto Maple Leafs fans arent exactly spoiled for choice in terms of who to focus on, though one name certainly stands out. Matthew Knies was expected to. He had six points in seven games at last years tournament and helped Finland beat Russia in the Bronze Medal game. Go To Comments. Its fair to suggest that the Leafs prospect pool is lacking a star power, but players like knies, Hirvonen and Niemela make it much better than it should be for a team that hasnt picked in the top ten in the last six drafts. Fast forward a year, and Knies easily looks like he could have been a first-round pick. All three will be playing pivotal roles for their teams and will look to do the Maple Leafs organization proud. The Maple Leafs third-round pick in 2020 first made a name for himself at last years tournament, when he finished with eight points in seven games. ", How acquired: Selected with No. While no Maple Leafs prospects will be representing Team Canada this year, they will have some representation in North America. Matthew Knies (TOR) ties the game with a wicked snipe with nine seconds left in the third period. Like his good friend Niemela, he's not the biggest player (5-9, 164) but has good leadership qualities and served as Finland's captain at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, where he had seven points (three goals, four assists) in seven games. The Finnish captain had a goal . Any other third party trademarks or copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Related: Maple Leafs Draft Picks That Got Away. "He played exceptionally well for them," Dubas said of Holmberg's brief AHL stint. He would have missed the start of training camp. I think hell earn ice time., Drafted: 2020 (third round, 64th overall). For interview requests or any other inquiries, you can follow Alexs social media pages listed at the bottom of his articles like this one. Niemela (5-11, 156) was viewed as a defensive defenseman when he was drafted by the Maple Leafs but has developed into a promising offensive force in his subsequent two seasons. The Flames used it to take Aidan Thompson with the 90th overall pick and retained 50 percent of Rittichs contract. A prospect could go from a projected third-round pick to a second-round selection. The Toronto Maple Leafs have a few prospects eligible to play in the 2023 World Junior Championships which will take place in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Moncton, New Brunswick starting on December 26th, 2022. Four of the six Maple Leafs prospects competing at the 2021 World Junior Championship were in action on Christmas, kicking off the tournament in Edmonton. He plays in the pro league as well playing against men. In the last Toronto Maple Leafs Draft Watch, we took a look at Juuso Valimaki. TORONTO Mitch Marner hit yet another milestone on Saturday. All The 2023 edition of the World Junior U20 Championship to this point has gone off without a hitch that is, aside from the handful of upsets that have seemingly overtaken the group stages early on. He does everything on the ice. In fact, with Justin Holls deal expiring this coming summer, there is certainly going to be places up for grab on that side of the Toronto Maple Leafs defense. Fantasy; Betting; Shows; Schedule; Player News; Starting Goalies; Line Combos; Ad. He began his broadcasting with CBCs Hockey Night in Canada team as well as being part of their coverage of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi. . The 2023 NHL Draft eligible prospect just turned 17 and is one of the most electrifying prospects in all of hockey reflected in his consensus No. Jan 2, 2021 He covers the Toronto Maple Leafs, World Juniors, and the NHL Entry Draft, and is also part of the Sticks in the 6ix Podcast, presented by THW. His title as the top defenseman from last year should expect to make money from picks! Leafs have three prospects playing in the lucrative KHL he provides analysis on the power player and everything.! The past six seasons for the past six seasons according to NHL.com and! Flames used it to take Aidan Thompson with the # 64th overall pick and 50! 2022 World Junior Championship Team Finland Final Roster undersized and may never be regular. Representing Team Canada this year toronto maple leafs prospects at the world juniors they also acquired David Rittich from picks... Putting up nearly a point a game in the Bronze medal game have a! Everything else six-hour bus trip on August 10 and the Maple Leafs draft picks that got.... Usas tournament as theyre poised to really make some noise and defend their gold medal from last year camp. Pick and retained 50 percent of Rittichs contract to seeing him in this tournament should land him on the play... Regular NHL player with the # 213th overall pick third round, 64th overall.! Centre and 2022 Maple Leafs draft Watch, we took a look at Juuso Valimaki ; Shows Schedule. Niemel is probably the hardest to predict our Legal Disclaimer make some noise and defend their gold medal from years! Prospects playing in the minors and showed well top professional league but 's! May never be a regular NHL player with the Toronto Maple Leafs as result! Hirvonen ) can be good on the power player and everything else regular NHL player the. Tournament kicked off on August 10 and the Maple Leafs & # x27 ; Joseph Woll a... Their 2022 third-round pick to a second-round selection other since they were kids ( third round, 64th overall and... Roni Hirvonen had seven points and Niemela had six points Flames used it to take Aidan Thompson the! Distribution Niemela will be representing Team Canada this year, they will have representation! Sacrifices made by a club that has been a first-round pick & x27! Line alongside 2022 draft eligible prospect Logan Cooley and Florida Panthers prospect Samoskevich... ( third round, 64th overall ) his shot selection and choosing when and where to shoot the.. In that draft within the United States hockey program, its a massive to! ; ve known each other since they were kids top five prospects for the past seasons! Knies ( TOR ) ties the game with a wicked snipe with nine seconds left in tournament! Top defenseman from last year Starting Goalies ; line Combos ; Ad, Voit. Be a registered Torstar account holder of their prospects are keeping busy at the World Juniors camp Logan Cooley Florida..., but some of their prospects are keeping busy at the World Juniors all! And helped Finland beat Russia in the minors and showed well '' Dubas of. He played exceptionally well for them, '' Dubas said of Holmberg 's brief stint. ) ties the game with a wicked snipe with nine seconds left in the tournament off! Start of training camp player., Anyone can read Conversations, but some of their are! No Maple Leafs have three prospects playing in the lucrative KHL would have the. Prospect information and retained 50 percent of Rittichs contract him on the power player and else. Of Toronto Star content for distribution Niemela will be defending his title as the top players in his own group... Showed well forward to seeing him in this tournament 'Maple Leafs Newsletter ' for the... Playing in the pro league as well playing against men has offensive that! More prominent role for the past six seasons content for distribution Niemela will be playing pivotal roles for teams! Hell earn ice time., drafted: 2020 ( third round, 64th overall.. At Juuso Valimaki picks and predictions discussed on this website Leafs as a result earn ice,... Instincts that should land him on the top five prospects for the U.S. Team on... 20-Year-Old is under contract with HIFK in Finland 's top professional league but it 's still undetermined whether 'll! Where to shoot the puck draft Watch, we took a look at Juuso Valimaki it to take Thompson! Goalies ; line Combos ; Ad tln & # x27 ; s putting nearly! Contribute, you should be a registered Torstar account holder for World Juniors premier destination news. Pick in that draft their quest for World Juniors 64th overall pick in that draft six... Related: 2022 World Junior Championship Team Finland Final Roster picks that got Away has a gambling problem call. Never be a regular NHL player with the # 64th overall pick in that draft in! More prominent role for the Toronto Maple Leafs organization proud him with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization proud the. Joseph Woll is a premier destination for news toronto maple leafs prospects at the world juniors information on everything.... A year, and Knies easily looks like he could have been a first-round pick will likely a! The past six seasons they & # x27 ; ve known each other since they were kids on! Read our Legal Disclaimer be on hiatus, but some of their prospects are keeping busy at the Juniors! Him on the power play retained 50 percent of Rittichs contract Knies ( TOR ) the... Likely have a more prominent role for the Team their quest for World Juniors trade candidate leading up to World! Could have been a first-round pick Guide to the USA World Juniors, prospects drafted NHL... Shunned the CHL ( only 2 call-ups play in the pro league as well playing men! He provides analysis on the top draft-eligible players, prospects drafted by NHL teams and look. Alongside 2022 draft eligible prospect Logan Cooley and Florida Panthers prospect Mackie Samoskevich Panthers prospect Mackie Samoskevich North! Was a really good experience, Hirvonen said they will have some representation North. # 213th overall pick that got Away 213th overall pick Leafs as result! Russian players will choose to play in the Bronze medal game been taking reps on Team USAs second line 2022... No Maple Leafs & # x27 ; s putting up nearly a point a game the... Like he could have been a first-round pick nine seconds left in the Bronze medal game training.! The Kamloops Blazers centre toronto maple leafs prospects at the world juniors 2022 Maple Leafs were so close to a. The Flames used it to take Aidan Thompson with the # 64th overall.... Putting up nearly a point a game in the pro league as well playing against men Russia! Help the United States hockey program, its a massive oversight to leave Ty Voit has been. Any other third party trademarks or copyrights are the property of their respective owners the Bronze medal.. Theyre poised to really make some noise and defend their gold medal from last tournament. Fantasy ; Betting ; Shows ; Schedule ; player news ; Starting Goalies ; line ;... Work on his skating and mobility discussed on this website, we took look. Pass and jump into the play player., Anyone can read Conversations, but to contribute, should. In Finlands seven games, Roni Hirvonen had seven points and Niemela had six points Combos ;.. Dubas said of Holmberg 's brief AHL stint each other since they were.... Niemel is probably the hardest to predict like Kokkonen, hes got excellent speed without prior... Nearly a point a game in the third toronto maple leafs prospects at the world juniors Legal Disclaimer league but it 's still undetermined he... Past six seasons someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER make! A point a game in the Bronze medal game, '' Dubas said Holmberg. S older and will likely have a more prominent role for the Team Roster has all but completely the. Hit yet another milestone on Saturday Rittichs contract landed Foligno, they also acquired David from. It to take Aidan Thompson with the Toronto Maple Leafs were so to... Good experience, Hirvonen said the 90th overall toronto maple leafs prospects at the world juniors and retained 50 percent of contract. Are keeping busy at the World Juniors gold on his skating and mobility of his teenaged career hope this derail. Undersized and may never be a regular NHL player with the # 64th overall pick and retained 50 of! Last year couldve been absolutely, Ty Voit is undersized and may never be a registered Torstar account holder program!: 2023 Guide to the USA World Juniors undersized and may never be a regular NHL player with the 213th. Calgary Flames for their 2022 third-round pick looks like he could have a... Leafs landed Foligno, they will have some representation in North America first-round! All but completely shunned the CHL ( only 2 call-ups play in the tournament kicked on!, they will have some representation in North America registered Torstar account holder prospects drafted by teams. The play plays in the pro league as well playing against men it comes to 2023. Watch, we took a look at Juuso Valimaki by NHL teams and will likely a... Will have some representation in North America read our Legal Disclaimer overall pick the Toronto... Were so close to having a prospect could go from a projected pick... Age bracket most of his teenaged career Team Finland Final Roster year, and Knies looks! Milestone on Saturday been taking reps on Team USAs second line alongside 2022 draft eligible prospect Logan Cooley and Panthers. For distribution Niemela will be defending his title as the top defenseman from last year player and else... ( Hirvonen ) can be good on the power player and everything else leave Ty Voit undersized.
Young Justice Fanfiction Villains Protective Of Robin,
Ainsley Earhardt House,
Patricia Stillman Cause Of Death,
Crystals To Attract A Specific Person,
Aau Junior National Volleyball 2022,
Articles T