Maple Leafs Extend Prospect Invite to 6-Foot-3 Forward With Untapped Potential
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs have invited a former top OHL forward to their rookie showcase, with a second chance at the NHL.
According to Radio-Canada, forward Alex Pharand is headed to the Toronto Maple Leafs rookie showcase. Pharand, who was with the Leafs in the team's development camp, earns a second look with Toronto to showcase his ability.
Previously noted by HockeyPatrol as a player who would make sense for Toronto to look at, Pharand, a big forward with a physical game, is a player who has had his share of struggles, but will be looking for once more chance to take a step into a potential pro career.
What Makes Pharand's Size and Skillset Stand Out
Alex Pharand is a 6'3 forward who can play at both center and on the wing, but projects more as a winger at the pro level.
Pharand was a top player out of Ontario in youth hockey as a smart player with good size who could skate and play both ends of the ice. Pharand went in the first round of the 2021 OHL Draft, 14th overall by the Hamilton Bulldogs.
Pharand would be taken over multiple future top NHL prospects, including
Easton Cowan,
Carson Rehkopf,
Denver Barkey, &
Oliver Bonk. Pharand had a strong draft year with 18 goals and 39 points, which is a respectable total for a draft eligible forward at 6'3, and was rewarded with a fourth round pick of the Chicago Blackhawks, 99th overall.
However, after his draft season, Pharand's game stagnated as he struggled to elevate his game or advance his skill set to grows as needed as a prospect. Pharand took a slight leap last season with 59 points in 65 games for the Sudbury Wolves. A solid total, but not that of a D+2 draft prospect, and Pharand was not signed by the Blackhawks, leaving him available to sign elsewhere.
Now, Toronto is giving somewhat of a second chance to Pharand, with the potential to earn a pro contract with the right growth, holding on to hope he may be a late bloomer.
Why the Maple Leafs See Value in This Prospect Invite
Alex Pharand has a few key tools to his game that could make him appealing to the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, even if he's not in their plans for the NHL.
As noted, Pharand has solid size at 6'3, which is something GM Brad Treliving is a big proponent of having, along with another positive in Treliving's philosophy in being a versatile forward at both C/W.
Pharand had struggled to make an impact in Sudbury, despite being featured on the team's power play and penalty kill and playing with one of the top forwards in the league in Sharks Prospect
Quentin Musty.
Chris Peters of
FloHockey's analysis of Pharand back in 2023 holds up as part of what is the question marks in his game, but what value he may bring to a pro organization.
His offensive skill is not at a level where he would be relied on to produce in higher leagues, but he competes well and can get after opposing defenders on the forecheck.
The Toronto Maple Leafs offer a lifeline to Pharand, a player who at a time has shown his promise, and could still prove himself as someone with something to offer.
Previously on HockeyPatrol
POLL |
AOUT 28 | 1183 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Extend Prospect Invite to 6-Foot-3 Forward With Untapped Potential Should size matter for an NHL prospect? |
Yes | 483 | 40.8 % |
Yes, but not essential | 564 | 47.7 % |
No | 54 | 4.6 % |
Somewhat | 82 | 6.9 % |
List of polls |