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Toronto Maple Leafs: Top 10 Prospect Rankings Before World Juniors

By James Middleton

Dec 15, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The Toronto Maple Leafs logo at center ice before the start of the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The Toronto Maple Leafs logo at center ice before the start of the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Sep 22, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Andrew Nielsen (58) plays the puck against Montreal Canadiens center Christian Thomas (20) during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports /

3) Andrew Nielsen – LD Toronto Marlies (AHL):

A third round pick in what looks like a terrific 2015 draft class for the Leafs that included Mitch Marner, Bracco, Travis Dermott, Martins Dzierkals, Dmytro Timashov, and Nikita Korostelev, Nielsen has risen from relative anonymity to being the Leafs best defensive prospect.

Standing at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, Nielsen possesses a rare combination of size and skating ability that isn’t often found outside of the first round, so the Leafs did really well to grab him in the third round. Although Nielsen is the Leafs’ top defensive prospect, it’s not because he’s fighting off many other high-end defensive prospects. Despite looking like a potential top-four defender, Nielsen still has a lot to learn at the AHL level on the defensive side of the puck before he is thrust into a regular shift with the Leafs.

While his offensive numbers are impressive, look for Nielsen to stay the whole season with the Marlies, hopefully getting some Calder Cup playoff experience in the process before battling for a spot with the buds next season.

Team (League)        GP        Goals     Assists     Points     PPG    Plus/Minus     PIM

Toronto Marlies      27             5             14            19           0.71          -3                 25

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