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Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect Showdown Date Set and Fans Are Fired Up
Photo credit: Steven Ellis - The Daily Faceoff
The dates for the Toronto Maple Leafs' Prospect Showdown have been revealed as fans get hyped and anticipated for which rookies are going to break out this season.
The Maple Leafs prospect pipeline isn't incredibly strong but have a few exciting pieces who are going to give fans a lot to be happy about. Easton Cowan, Ben Danford, Noah Chadwick, Tyler Hopkins, and several other names are going to be vying for a chance to showcase what they have to offer.
But when is this current crop of players going to take the ice with a chance to impress?
According to FloHockey, we have our dates. The Maple Leafs will play in two games for the Prospect Showdown against the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens with them playing the Sens on Sept 13, and the Habs the following night.
Which Maple Leafs Prospects Have the Most to Prove at the Showdown
Last season we saw the likes of Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten show off last year and while the former was dominating the OHL, Minten was able to earn an NHL debut even though he was traded months after to the rival Bruins.
There are some players who are on the cusp of making the team provided they put in a strong showing, and it's very possible a guy like Cowan is using this as a stepping stone to a strong preseason and subsequently a spot in the lineup.
Other fringe candidates include Jacob Quillan, who made a one game debut for the team last year, as well as guys like Noah Chadwick, Cade Webber, and Sam McCue.
Not to mention the team has a ton of NCAA prospects like John Prokop, Luke Haymes and Ryan Kirwan ready to break out, plus 81-point player Borya Valis in the mix as well.
How the Prospect Showdown Could Shape the Maple Leafs' Training Camp Battles
The biggest name though who has the most to prove is undoubtedly Cowan. Expected to fight for a roster spot among all of the depth veterans, there really isn't much more he can do to warrant a shot.
He's dominated the OHL and is done there, and the Marlies while a great stepping stone, seem like a step down from where he should be. Plus, the fan reaction from being able to have one of their rookies actually contribute and not traded away is a massive bonus.
Those veterans and depth signings can't get too comfortable and coast on their laurels too nonchalantly as they are no doubt going to have players like Cowan, Quillan, and even Alex Nylander making waves to try and snag one of the last spots.
A great showing from Cowan or any of their other fringe candidates could make training camp very interesting for fans, and a nightmare to figure out for Craig Berube.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 8 | 1091 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect Showdown Date Set and Fans Are Fired Up Who is the most anticipated prospect for the Maple Leafs at the Prospect Showdown? | ||
| Easton Cowan | 916 | 84 % |
| Ben Danford | 116 | 10.6 % |
| Noah Chadwick | 32 | 2.9 % |
| Luke Haymes | 27 | 2.5 % |
| List of polls | ||