The Toronto Maple Leafs’ coaching camp is already underway and now the main target shifts onto the competitors and battle for roster spots as gamers make their case to make the staff. Like in earlier camps, only a few spots are up for grabs, so gamers can’t afford to make any errors. One recreation could possibly be the distinction between beginning within the NHL, getting despatched down or being launched from a tryout.
Names like Max Pacioretty and Nick Robertson are undoubtedly seeking to show their price and keep on the roster, however let’s not neglect concerning the younger prospects and youth motion about to graduate to the following degree. We all know that Easton Cowan is decided to make the roster and despite the fact that Fraser Minten is out with a high-ankle sprain, he might’ve been one identify that had excessive hopes of constructing the roster after incomes that proper final season.
Nonetheless, after the latest prospect showdown, there are a number of different names that ought to acquire extra consideration throughout camp and all through the preseason.
Topi Niemelä
Should you’ve seen Topi Niemelä’s identify typically on quite a lot of these prospects to look at/ standout items, it’s as a result of there’s the potential for a breakout efficiency and even seize the eye of the Maple Leafs brass. Because of this, his play on the prospect showcase ought to carry over into camp.
Niemelä had a powerful rookie marketing campaign with 39 factors in 68 video games with the Toronto Marlies final season. It was an adjustment interval going from the European ice to the North American one, however he continued to get higher because the season went on. Now, it seems to be like he might have taken a giant step ahead along with his play after his efficiency.
Niemelä’s swift motion and mobility from the backend and general offensive consciousness was on full show on the Maple Leafs blue line. Each time he had the puck, he was continually in management main the play. Whether or not it was breaking out of his personal zone, or making crisp performs on the offensive blue line, he was there to be a distinction maker. He was a playmaking machine with 5 assists in two video games. He was in a position to get pucks on internet successfully, creating rebound alternatives resulting in a objective. The sensible puck placement, calm manner, creativity and imaginative and prescient was evident and must be the explanation why he can get quite a lot of consideration.
Whereas there could also be a log jam on protection, Niemelä is definitely feeling assured heading into camp after his efficiency. The elevated poise, confidence in addition to some added power might assist him push for a roster spot.
Cade Webber
When Cade Webber was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes on the commerce deadline, it was the acquisition of a defenseman that the Maple Leafs desperately wanted– a gentle, shut down defender who may be relied on inside his personal zone.
The Maple Leafs have had an emphasis on drafting cell, puck-moving defensemen, however by no means actually had a participant with Webber’s mindset and caliber. He was named NCAA Hockey East’s Greatest Defensive Defenseman and he confirmed that through the prospect showdown. He was extraordinarily spectacular along with his defensive instincts, consciousness and positioning. He was continually pressuring opponents, be it defending the push or one-on-one conditions, he made his presence felt. The mixture of his dimension and foot pace permits him to shut gaps rapidly and take away lanes successfully.
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Webber was a chilled presence on the backend with Niemelä main the offensive cost, however Webber didn’t shrink back from these alternatives when he had the possibility. He picked his spots to hitch the push and interact on the assault inside the offensive zone. If he can add that further offensive ingredient to his recreation, he could possibly be greater than only a shutdown defender. This camp is the proper alternative to showcase his strengths however add extra to his recreation.
Whereas Webber could also be additional down the depth chart, there could possibly be a possibility for the towering, left-shot defender down the road if he continues to impress.
Nikita Grebenkin
Nikita Grebenkin solely performed in a single recreation through the prospect showdown, however it could have been sufficient for the employees to really feel that he must be able to battle for a spot throughout coaching camp. He even obtained the consideration of basic supervisor Brad Treliving.
As Grebenkin seems to be to push and earn a spot on the roster, he began off on a line with Pacioretty and Pontus Holmberg on the primary day of camp. Already with a wealth of professional expertise within the KHL, profitable the Gagarin Cup final season, Grebenkin performs a powerful energy recreation as a playmaking winger. He excels within the powerful areas and is continually battling for place and possession of the puck. He’s obtained the pace and work ethic to rapidly get in and set up an assault. When he positive factors management, he makes use of his dimension and slick puck dealing with abilities to push his approach to get to the web. He’s extraordinarily tough to comprise and is at all times producing high quality scoring possibilities.
Out of all of the younger gamers coming into camp, Grebenkin most likely has the higher odds of discovering his manner onto the staff in some unspecified time in the future. He matches the invoice of the route and magnificence the staff needs to go. The steps he has taken to proceed to develop and develop the previous few seasons can also be a giant indicator why.
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Webber, Niemelä and Grebenkin all had causes for a lot of to control because the season began, however their play on the prospect showdown ought to garner extra consideration as they could possibly be pushing for extra than simply time within the minor league. All three have earned that likelihood as they give the impression of being to earn a roster spot with their play.
