Toronto Maple Leafs: Prospects In The System

1. Rasmus Sandin, D

Rasmus Sandin, drafted 29th overall in the 2018 National Hockey League (NHL) draft, played 44 games in his rookie season for the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL) last year and recorded 28 points. During his season with the Marlies, Sandin showed off his smooth skating ability and his impressive hockey IQ. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Sandin is a full-time NHL defenseman by the 2020-2021 season.

2. Jeremy Bracco, RW

Jeremy Bracco is the Maple Leafs top forward prospect and rightfully so. The 22-year-old posted 79 points in 75 games last season for the Marlies and added 16 points in 13 AHL playoff games. Bracco was the 61st overall pick in the 2015 NHL draft and spent time between Boston College and the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in the 2015-16 season. The following season (2016-17) in the OHL, he split time between the Kitchener Rangers and the Windsor Spitfires recording 57 goals and 83 points, finishing 12th in OHL scoring that year. Bracco’s scoring ability and speed are made for today’s NHL and he could join the Maple Leafs as early as this season.

3. Timothy Liljegren, D

Timothy Liljegren has had some bad luck with injuries and hasn’t been able to reach the offensive numbers that Maple Leafs management would like to see. Liljegren was drafted 17th overall in the 2017 NHL draft and gives the Maple Leafs a much needed right-shooting defenseman within their system. He has good speed with great lateral quickness and should see plenty of time on the power play with the Marlies this season. If he can stay healthy, there is a chance that Liljegren could also see some playing time with the Maple Leafs this season.

4. Joseph Woll, G

Joseph Woll will be given every opportunity to claim the starting goaltender job for the Marlies this season. Woll spent the last three seasons playing for Boston College where he played at least 30 games each season and posted very good numbers. Both his goals against average and his save percentage numbers improved each season. Woll is an acrobatic goaltender who makes highlight-reel saves on a routinely. It’ll be interesting to see how he adjusts his game to the pro level where he’ll be facing much tough opponents.

5. Ilya Mikheyev, LW/RW

Ilya Mikheyev who has spent the last 4 seasons playing for Avangard in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) will be given a fair shot to make the Maple Leafs opening night roster and could even play left wing (LW) on a line with either Auston Matthews or John Tavares while Zach Hyman is on Long Term Injury Reserve (LTIR) to start the season. Mikheyev saw a steady increase in production playing in the KHL and the Maple Leafs are hoping that it will transfer over to the NHL. Mikheyev has good puck control, is a smooth skater, is able to use his size (6’2″) well and has a strong hockey IQ.

6. Nicholas Robertson, LW

Nicholas Robertson was drafted in the 2nd round 53rd overall in the 2019 NHL draft this past June. Robertson has good speed, great playmaking skills and fights for every puck relentlessly. This season will see Robertson return to the Peterborough Pete’s of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) where he’ll be given lots of playing time in a more prominent role on the team. We most likely won’t see Robertson in the NHL until at least the 2021-2022 season, but most likely the 2022-2023 season.

7. Ian Scott, G

Ian Scott posted excellent numbers in his fourth Western Hockey League (WHL) season helping the Prince Albert Raiders win the WHL Championship. Scott has great reflexes and uses his whole 6’4 frame and long wingspan to cover the net wonderfully. Scott will get some playing time in both the Maple Leafs and the Marlies training camps this September, but it is expected that he’ll be sent to play with the Newfoundland Growlers of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) where he’ll get more playing time.

8. Semyon Der-Arguchintsev, C

Semyon Der-Arguchintsev is a good playmaker who shows great patience and has the ability to draw defenders towards him, creating space for teammates to get open. The 3rd round pick of the Maple Leafs should see an increase in playing time with the Peterborough Pete’s of the OHL this season and could also spend some time in the ECHL with the Newfoundland Growlers.

9. Mac Hollowell, D

Mac Hollowell uses his skill to make up for what he lacks in size. Hollowell led the OHL in goals and points by a defenseman last season registering 77 points in 64 games. Hollowell will be playing his first pro season this year with the Marlies in the AHL. Like Liljegren, Hollowell is another good right shooting defenseman the Maple Leafs have been able to add to their system.

10. Pierre Engvall, LW

Pierre Engvall likes to use his 6’4 frame to gain control of the puck along the boards and in the corners. In his first full season with the Marlies this past season Engvall also showed off his scoring ability by scoring 19 goals. This season he should see an increased role on the Marlies and if he continues to use his size to his advantage, it won’t be long before he’s playing for the Maple Leafs.

Training camp should be very exciting to watch as all these prospects look to improve their games and strive to reach the next level.

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