As we method the beginning of coaching camp and the eventual begin of the 2024-25 season, there are sure to be some surprises that may present up on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ roster. Final season, it was Fraser Minten getting the nod to start out the season earlier than being despatched down after his robust efficiency within the preseason. With that, comes the potential of different names throughout the system that may impress a lot that they’ll earn a call-up.
Whereas Minten could be a kind of names to observe as soon as once more this season as he can replicate his play to make his method onto the roster, there are different names that may comply with in his footsteps. Whereas he could be one of many first to snag a spot on the roster and be subsequent in line if there’s an harm, different names may present that they’ll discover their method onto the roster in some unspecified time in the future as properly.
Nikita Grebyonkin
The 2022 fifth-round decide and up to date KHL champion is almost certainly the one that may push his method into the lineup, be it incomes a spot on the finish of coaching or a call-up in some unspecified time in the future through the season. Given his fast development, growth and talent to play at a excessive stage in opposition to robust competitors, it’s clear to see why he could be an ideal match on the roster.
Grebyonkin completed second in group scoring on Metallurg Magnitogorsk with 41 factors in 67 video games in addition to one other six factors in 23 playoff video games. He signed an entry stage deal quickly after and his play will acquire a number of consideration from the Maple Leafs fan base. He’s a powerful playmaking, energy ahead that’s all the time exhibiting that willingness to battle and battle within the robust areas. At 6-foot-2, 192 kilos, he can maintain his personal very properly, exhibiting nice power, physique positioning and the power to assault the center of the ice intently. He has nice fingers in tight areas, has an underrated shot and the velocity to simply get round defenders and create separation.
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It’s almost certainly that he’ll begin off within the American Hockey League with the Toronto Marlies, however the mindset and professional expertise is there for him to show heads rapidly. He looks as if a Craig Berube-type participant and will certainly give this group a component that’ll make them harder to go up in opposition to.
Alex Steeves
Recent off signing for one other season on a two-way deal, this could possibly be a make-or-break season with Alex Steeves. The 24-year-old has been within the group signing as a collegiate free agent in 2021 and has been productive within the AHL, registering 154 factors in 188 video games– a 0.82 level per sport common.
It’s going to be robust for Steeves to crack the roster given the depth and choices the Maple Leafs have already got at their disposal with David Kämpf and Pontus Holmberg. Although, he offers them some flexibility to play on the wing. If they need a participant that may nonetheless play with a powerful sport primarily based on velocity and his shot, Steeves positively can standout and pressure his method onto the group. He actually hasn’t been given a good probability within the NHL (seven video games performed) as he’s all the time been on the fourth line, however he has proven glimpses of what he can do.
This season could possibly be the one for him to take that subsequent step and present his price. He has been a call-up earlier than and will nonetheless be on the high of that record this season. He has the work ethic and drive and given how the group may have a brand new route when it comes to their play fashion, Steeves could possibly be a invaluable asset.
Topi Niemelä
It was a formidable first season with the Marlies for Topi Niemelä as he completed sixth in group scoring with 39 factors in 68 video games. Total, he led all defenders on the group in scoring which is notable, as he performed like the very best defender on the market. In consequence, he was the third ranked prospect in my top-10 rating.
Niemela exhibits a really assured and calm presence on the backend, has nice composure and has robust consciousness with and with out the puck. He has already proven that he might be productive in his first season and is seeking to take one other massive step ahead whereas rounding out his sport. He’s making sensible performs on breakouts and is all the time the primary to retrieve pucks. As well as, he continues so as to add extra power as a way to maintain his personal in bodily engagements and battles on the ice. He adjusted to the tempo properly, however must proceed having that mindset going ahead.
Niemelä’s path is likely to be tougher because the Maple Leafs protection seems set to start out the season. Timothy Liljegren and even Connor Timmins are battling it out for the ultimate spot on the proper aspect, however the door shouldn’t be closed simply but for Niemelä. Within the occasion of an harm to both participant or if each gamers present to be inconsistent, Niemelä could possibly be given a possibility to indicate his price in some unspecified time in the future.
Dennis Hildeby
It’s been some time because the Maple Leafs have had a powerful goaltending prospect to return up by way of the system. Dennis Hildeby is the primary in line if there’s any challenge within the crease and his rookie season within the AHL proved it.
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As a rookie, Hildeby put up spectacular numbers in 41 video games. He had the sixth finest gaols in opposition to common with 2.41 and the 15th finest save share with .913. Not unhealthy contemplating the Marlies had been inconsistent throughout stretches final season. At 6-foot-7, 223 kilos, he’s a monster, protecting up a lot of the internet giving shooters barely something to work with. He’s fast along with his response time and has fast reflexes within the crease. He’s very clean within the crease along with his lateral actions, however when he does get too aggressive at occasions, he’s capable of recuperate and rapidly locates the puck to make a giant time cease.
Hildeby will look to be the starter for the Marlies as soon as once more this season, however his focus is certainly on making the subsequent stage. With the trail that he’s on, he may get these alternatives sooner as he ought to be prepared for a call-up when it’s time. With Joseph Woll’s harm historical past and Anthony Stolarz’s lack of starter expertise, Hildeby could possibly be a reputation to be referred to as up even forward of Matt Murray so he can get some NHL expertise.
There are many prospects throughout the Maple Leafs system that might look to push for that call-up to the large league. Nevertheless, primarily based on their physique of labor, Grebyonkin, Steeves, Niemelä and Hildeby have the very best probability to take action. Even it doesn’t occur, their play this season will proceed to place themselves on the map.
