Toronto Maple Leafs: Five prospects to watch with the Toronto Marlies
Dmytro Timashov
Selected in the fifth round of the 2015, Timashov was trending ever since he was drafted but now he enters a crucial stage in his development. He has the skill and playmaking ability to be an effective player. With other players making the jump to the NHL, the 20-year old will need to start separating himself from the group. It is one thing to be able to score in juniors especially in the QMJHL to producing at a professional level.
Timashov did not play a lot last season which was a part of the reason why he did put up strong offensive numbers and trying to work on his defensive game. He was benched in the playoffs in favour of Carl Grundstrom who arrived from Sweden on a mission to impress the Leafs and it did not take long for him to get integrated in the lineup.
Where Timashov has an advantage is the fact that the Leafs are stacked on the right wing. Can he find a way to earn more ice time with the Marlies especially with Grundstrom expected to be a part of the top six. If Kapanen gets sent down the the Marlies, expect Timashov to be a third liner which will make it another tough season but one that will be necessary for him to continue grinding his way up. He has the skill and hockey sense to thrive, he just needs to learn how to make the most of a limited opportunity. It is tough to judge a player on their first professional season in the AHL especially when Timashov had 24 points in 63 games.
If he can raise that point total to 40, it would be a nice improvement for the Swedish forward. It will take some hard work but luckily for Timashov he has time to get himself back on track.