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Toronto Maple Leafs: 2016 World Juniors Recap of Leafs Top Prospects

By James Middleton

Oct 2, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; aToronto Maple Leafs right wing Kasperi Kapanen (71) skates with the puck chased by Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall (55) in the second period t Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; aToronto Maple Leafs right wing Kasperi Kapanen (71) skates with the puck chased by Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall (55) in the second period t Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Dec 30, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock talks with Leo Komarov (47) and Roman Polak (46) before the start of the overtime period against thePittsburgh Penguins during an NHL hockey game at Consol Energy Center. Toronto won 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Don Wright-USA TODAY Sports /

Conclusion

Overall, for Leafs fans, this tournament was almost perfect for their prospects. Outside of the unfortunate injury to top prospect Nylander, Toronto learned a lot about their prospects that they didn’t know before the Juniors.

This included finding out Marner isn’t just beating up on lesser competition and Timashov is a legitimate top prospect. On top of this, Kapanen has the tools to become a top 6 winger and Dermott would be able to quarterback a power play for years to come.

In conclusion, what Leafs fans will be most excited to hear is that following a painful season, they will be rewarded with a star player at the 2016 draft. So while the past and present may have been rough, there is an excellent foundation in place for future success with their picks and prospects moving forward, especially with Mike Babcock in charge.

Next: Should the Leafs pursue Kevin Shattenkirk?

How do you feel about the future in Toronto following the Juniors? Let us know in the comments section below.

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