October Pipeline Report

The Pipeline Report is another brand new feature that will be appearing around the start of every month here at TML Central. In this feature, the Leafs prospects will be ranked with a particular emphasis placed on the top 10 prospects. Short hand notes will provide an update of each player’s recent activities and the reasoning for rises and drops in the rankings will be highlighted. We hope you come back every month to check it out and keep up to date on the progress of all the prospects in the Leafs pipeline.

1. Nazem Kadri (C) 6′0″ 177lbs London Knights (OHL)

After strong rookie camp and tournament, Kadri came to the Leafs training camp looking to stick. While here, he did everything in his power to make the team including some very nice plays and dramatic goals in the preseason. He flashed his brilliant hands and great offensive awareness and showed a lot of enthusiasm along the way. It is clear, however, that Kadri needs to put on some bulk as he looked at times vulnerable to the bigger the defenseman of the league. Further refinement of his all-around game and the ability to put a team on his shoulders are things he stands to work on as the best returning player for the London Knights. Whether he ends up a centre or on the wing, Kadri has proven that he has the blue chip talent and potential that many fans thought had slipped through their hands when they ended up with the 7th overall pick in the 2009 draft.
Potential: First Line Forward

2. Jonas Gustavsson (G) 6′3″ 192lbs, Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)

Shortly after the start of camp, Gustavsson was held out of practice with what was first reported to be a groin injury. With Toskala’s history of groin injuries, many Leafs fans were wary of the possibility of yet another injury-riddled goaltender. But, the reports were incorrect as Gustavsson had undergone a procedure to fix an arhythmia in his heart, that we are told was not a serious procedure. After a few days of waiting for the incisions from the surgery to heal up, Gustavsson finally got into some action playing one period and then two periods on back-to-back nights. In these short glimpses, the Leafs saw what they were hoping for. Gustavsson, who appears very large in the net showed quickness and the ability to control rebounds. He did not allow a single shot and showed that he was capable of making even some very difficult stops. The Leafs and their fans have to be very excited about Gustavsson potential and the way he has looked so far. The question will be whether he can do this consistently and how much of a workload he can handle. The management has remained conservative in that regard, stating that Gustavsson would likely play 30-35 games as Vesa Toskala’s backup. However, if Toskala continues to struggle that seems to have carried over from last season, they may need Gustavsson to play a little more than that. It is evident that he has the tools to be a starting goalie in the NHL. Now, he needs only to go out and do it.
NHL Potential: Starting Goaltender

3. Viktor Stalberg (LW) 6′3″ 210lbs Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)

Many fans came into training camp thinking that Stalberg could potnetially push for a spot on the team. After a great Junior year at the University of Vermont, Stalberg showed well in the Leafs rookie tournament, with a great combination of size, skill and above all skating ability. What fans learned over the course of the last couple of weeks was that Stalberg was as ready as any rookie they had, and looked about as skilled as any forward in camp. Stalberg got a quick start, scoring on the powerplay in their first preseason game against Boston. From there, the goals just kept going and every game Stalberg looked more confident. He was using his world-class speed to fly through the neutral zone, be an effective penalty killer and make sure he was back for his defensive assignment. He used his size to establish himself in front of the net and win pucks in the corners. His puck skills allowed the offense to flow through him with whoever he happened to be paired with, and when he had the chance to finish plays, he was able to do that as well. Stalberg’s remarkable performance in the preseason not only placed him first in the NHL in preseason scoring with 6 goals and 3 assists, it made his spot on the Leafs pro squad undeniable. To start the season, Stalberg looks to continue his success alongside Matt Stajan and Jason Blake and is suddenly a candidate for the Calder Trophy if he continues to play the way he has.
NHL Potential: Second Line Winger

4. Tyler Bozak (C) 6′1″ 197lbs Toronto Marlies (AHL)

Bozak, like Stalberg, came into camp with some confidence off of a strong Rookie Tournament showing. The two played together, along with fellow NCAA grad Christian Hanson and seemed to be forming some very good chemistry. Again, like Stalberg, he wasted no time making his mark, scoring a beautiful shorthanded goal in their first preseason game. His preseason, was solid although not as dramatic as Stalberg’s. Bozak showed the ability to skate at an NHL level, as well as to distibute the puck. The staff was confident enough in him to allow him to try his hand playing the point on the powerplay. Bozak is a playmaker, not dissimilar to Leafs centre Matt Stajan. He can move the puck and play strong two-way hockey. Although, his speed and shot allow him to do it a slightly more elite level. He is not a big player, but he does nto avoid high-traffic areas and competes at a very high level.
NHL Potential: Second Line Centre

5. Nikolai Kulemin (LW) 6′1″ 215lbs Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)

After a decent first season in North America, where he seemed to have solidified his spot on the roster, Kulemin had a rather disappointing camp. He showed a decent work ethic and after adding a lot of bulk in the offseason, seemed to be finishing checks on a regular basis. However, his bread and butter, going to the net and scoring goals, was barely evident during the preseason. His poor production earned him a demotion, however, he was recalled once Phil Kessel was put on injured reserve. For the time being, he is the team’s 14th forward, but it is clear that in the coaching staff’s mind, he is a work in progress. Kulemin needs to find a balance of aggressiveness on the forecheck, while still maintaining his ability to bury the opportunities that he earns. The staff wants him to be a complete player, and this is a bump along the way. Hopefully, it is not one that permanently derails him.
NHL Potential: Second Line Winger

6. Jiri Tlusty (LW) 6′0″ 209lbs Toronto Marlies (AHL)

Tlusty came in to camp hoping to build a permanent roster spot on top of his point per game performance in the AHL last season. However, in preseason Tlusty appeared hesitant with the puck and did not generate nearly enough in the offensive zone to be included in the roster. His play picked up toward the end of camp, but the confidence he showed in the AHL was not there, nor was the productivity. He will return to the Marlies hoping to get the first shot at a callup. In his contract year, it will be important for him to have a good year to avoid a complicated negotatiation in the offseason that could include the possibility of Tlusty heading back to Europe without a guaranteed roster spot. For now, Tlusty should be placed on the top scoring line with Tyler Bozak giving him a good opportunity to regain his confidence.
NHL Potential: Second Line Winger

7. Jesse Blacker (D) 6′1″ 190lbs Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Although his time at the Leafs pro camp was short, he did earn some playing time in the preseason as the management assessed just exactly where Blacker was in his development. Blacker, although occasionally caught out of position, impressed with his recovery speed and his strong skating, which allowed him to be more aggressive than others could get away with. Blacker showed good puck skills and strong character as well. With only average size, he will never be a physically-dominant player, but he does not shy from contact and can dish out the odd hit to keep opposing players honest. He projects as a two-way defenseman and a competent powerplay pointman. For the time being, he is likely to spend the next two seasons with defending Memorial Cup Champion Windsor Spitfires, where he is a key cog on the blueline.
NHL Potential: Second Pairing Defenseman

8. Carl Gunnarsson (D) 6′2″ 189lbs Toronto Marlies (AHL)

One of a couple of training camp surprises, Gunnarsson came in and showed that he should be part of this team’s future, sonner rather than later. Gunnarsson, who possesses a decent frame, struggled in his first preseason opportunities as he dealt with a higher level of speed and physicality than what he was accustomed to in Sweden. But, as the preseason rolled on, Gunnarsson started to make the neccessary adjustments and left a strong impression on management as a defenseman who, if not for the Leafs glut of pro calibre defensmen, could well have made the cut. Showing the ability to move the puck while playing a smooth game in his own end, Gunnarsson will ply his trade in the AHL for the time being. This gives Gunnarsson the time tocontinue to learn the North American style of game, while adding a little muscle to his frame. If he does this, there is reason to believe that he will be a favourite to make the team come next fall.
NHL Potential: Second Pairing Defenseman

9. Christian Hanson (RW) 6′4″ 228lbs Toronto Marlies (AHL)

Hanson came into the season hoping to maintain the spot that he had on the Leafs pro squad last spring, but this time facing a lot more competition. After spending the offseason adding more muslcle to his already NHL-ready frame, Hanson was effective on the wing while often being lined up alongsized fellow NCAA players Bozak and Stalberg. The least talented of the three, Hanson kept up with the high-flying pair until the other two began to set themselves apart. Hanson is more-suited o the role of a third line player, however, he had success when using his size to go to the net and battle the corners. He will start the season in the AHL where he will need to work on using his size more consistently. if he is able to transition into a power winger, he could play on a second line, periodically. But, with his two-way ability, Hanson may be best suited to bang on the third line.
NHL Potential: Third Line Winger

10. Mikhail Stefanovich (LW) 6′2″ 202lbs Toronto Marlies

After an incredible second half for Quebec of the QMJHL, Stefanovich came into camp with high expectations. A so-so prospect camp, saw him score a goal, but looked lost without the puck and was often completely invisible for entire games. He continued this through camp and clearly did not impress the staff. Shortly after being cut by the Leafs, he was unexpectedly sent back to QMJHL where he will play his overage year rather than begin his AHL career. Stefanovich clearly holds superior talent and finishing ability that is as instinctual as any player in the Leafs pipeline, but is often completely absent when he is not scoring. The Leafs will hope that with another year of junior, Stefanovich’s game will mature to the point where he is able to be more competitive come next year’s training camp.
NHL Potential: Second Line Winger

11. Kenny Ryan (RW) 6′0″ 204lbs Boston College (NCAA) - entering his freshman year at BC and likely to play a bottom 6 role to start his college career.
12. Jimmy Hayes (RW) 6′4″ 210lbs Boston College (NCAA) - hopes to play a bigger role in his sophomore year at BC.
13. Christopher Didomenico (C) 6′1″ 170lbs Toronto Marlies (AHL) - recovering from a broken femur, likely will not see game action with Marlies until Novermber or December.
14. James Reimer (G) 6′2″ 208lbs Toronto Marlies (AHL) - solid camp showing to build on including two preseason games, should share starting duties with Joey Macdonald.
15. Dale Mitchell (RW) 5′9″ 200lbs Toronto Marlies (AHL) - did not see much action in camp, needs to figure out how he will transition to an NHL player, possibly as a pest.
16. Phil Oreskovic (D) 6′3″ 217lbs Toronto Marlies (AHL) - short pro camp for him, he will play a big role with the Marlies this year, and could get the call for some games with the Leafs as he did last year.
17. Joel Champagne (C) 6′4″ 220lbs PEI Rocket - not a great camp, still has much work to do on his skating.
18. Jerry D’Amigo (RW) 5′11″ 196lbs Rennsalaer Polytechnic Institute (NCAA) - entering his freshman year at RPI where he will likely play 4 full years.
19. Jerome Flaake (LW) 6′2″ 187lbs Cologne Sharks (DEL) - stayed in Germany to complete his contract with Cologne, and has been toiling on low end of the roster. Likely to join the Marlies next season.
20. Juraj Mikus (D) 6′4″ 185lbs Toronto Marlies (AHL) - had a decent camp, and has looked good in the AHL camp as well. Very big transtion year for Mikus who is very raw but has lots of tools.
21. Jamie Devane (LW) 6′4″ 210lbs Plymouth Whalers (OHL) - broke his hand in the Rookie tournament, will miss a few more weeks before starting his season with Plymouth.
22. Robert Slaney (LW) 6′2″ 203lbs Toronto Marlies (AHL) - decent camp, will need at least couple of years with the Marlies before he becomes an NHL player.
23. Alex Berry (RW) 6′2″ 212lbs Toronto Marlies (AHL) - could play a role with the Marlies as an agitator and has some scoring ability.
24. Tyler Ruegsegger (C) 5′11″ 170lbs Denver University (NCAA) - will attend his senior season at Denver in hopes of earning an NHL contract next year.
25. Andrew MacWilliam (D) 6′4″ 214lbs University of North Dakota (NCAA) - freshman year at UND after a very good season of Junior A.
26. Eric Knodel (D) 6′6″ 216lbs Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL) - will play one season in Des Moines of the USHL before heading to the University of New Hampshire.
27. Korbinian Holzer (D) 6′3″ 190lbs DEG Metro Stars (DEL) - there are rumblings that the improving defenseman may come to North America next season.
28. Richard Greenop (RW) 6′4″ 235lbs Toronto Marlies (AHL) - the huge brawler could spend some time in Reading of the ECHL if he does not make the Marlies squad.
29. Matt Frattin (RW) 5′11″ 187lbs - After two arrests over the summer, including a DUI, Frattin was kicked off the North Dakota hockey team. Still no word as to where he will play this season.
30. Grant Rollheiser (G) 6′5″ 195lbs Boston University (NCAA) - Lost the battle to start at BU to Kieran Millan. Hopes to get a little more playing time in his sophomore season.
31. Ben Winnett (LW) 6′1″ 182lbs University of Michigan (NCAA) - a role player entering his junior yeat at Michigan.
32. Stefano Giliati (LW) 5′11″ 200lbs Toronto Marlies (AHL) - a marlie last year, may lose his spot on the squad to younger more talented players, likely to spend the year in Reading.
33. Greg Scott (RW) 6′0″ 188lbs Toronto Marlies (AHL) - showed skill in camp, but another player who likely ECHL-bound.
34. Kyle Rogers (RW) 6′3″ 215lbs Toronto Marlies (AHL) - did not show much over the last season, could be headed to Reading as well.

*Excluded:

Leo Komarov (C) 5′10″ 187lbs Dynamo Moscow (KHL)
Dmitri Vorobiev (D) 6′0″ 209lbs Dynamo Moscow (KHL)

*For the time being these players are not included in the rankings due to the fact that they have pursued pro hockey careers elsewhere and have shown no interest in being Maple Leafs in the future. If they did come onto the Leafs’ radar, they would be added to the normal rankings.

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