Top Performers For Maple Leafs Prospect Tournament Revealed
The Toronto Maple Leafs had their first action as a team this past weekend. The top prospects in Toronto's system got together to play in a tournament against other organization's top prospects. Many players did well providing hope for the future of hockey in Toronto.
Maple Leafs Top Prospects Shine In Tournament
In these tournaments a team's highly drafted players are expected to be the top guys for the team. With the Toronto Maple Leafs this was the case for several of their highly drafted players.
Easton Cowan is first up. When Cowan was drafted his selection was met with a lot of criticism. In this tournament he got off to a fast start silencing the doubters. In his first game against Dallas he had two points. By the end of the tournament Cowan would have 6 points. This was a very strong start to the 2023 First Round Pick's tenure as a Toronto Maple Leaf.
Matthew Knies also played in this tournament. He was able to show improvements he made in his skating having an extra burst. His creativity and passing were also on full display. He should challenge for a spot in the top six heading into the season.
Fraser Minten showed his ability to impact a hockey game in several different ways during this tournament. He was able to use his passing and vision to his advantage. He also showed an ability to find open space to shoot as well. According to many reports he was one of the best leaders on this Maple Leafs prospects team as well.
Underrated Maple Leafs Prospects Show Potential
While several of the top prospects were the stars of this tournament there were also a few depth prospects that may have revealed themselves. Tournaments like this are the perfect setting for players who are lesser known to get themselves on the map. Let's take a look at a couple of Maple Leafs prospects who did just that.
Dennis Hildeby was a fourth round selection by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Since being drafted he has played in the Swedish Hockey League and had some solid numbers. After coming to the AHL to end last season many were unsure about Hildeby. He played 2 games the first of which he only gave up 1 goal and the other he gave up 3. He looked good in his movement and was calm in the net.
Brandon Lisowsky's shot is something. He led the leafs in goals and scored a hat trick in his final game.
The prospect tournament was great for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Top prospects were able to flex their muscles while other depth players were able to get themselves noticed. It will be interesting to see which of these players can parlay their success into the regular.
| POLL | ||
Will Matthew Knies win rookie of the year in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 413 | 50.1 % |
| No | 411 | 49.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
