Toronto Maple Leafs 2017 rookie tournament preview
The annual rookie tournament hosted by the Toronto Maple Leafs will showcase the next wave of prospects looking to make a positive impression going forward.
For Toronto Maple Leafs fans, the annual rookie tournament is the yearly notice that the summer has come to an end and the hockey season is just around the corner. After spending the past few season in London Ont., the Leafs moved the tournament to the Ricoh Coliseum keeping it close to home.
The Leafs prospects will face off against rookies from their divisional rival Montreal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators. The Pittsburgh Penguins are not participating in this year’s tournament as they will travel to Buffalo to go up against the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils.
This year’s tournament will feature players from the 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 draft along with some AHL and training camp invites looking to make an impression on management. Many of these players will look to make the Toronto Marlies this season while only one player has a strong chance to make the Leafs out of camp.
Defenceman Travis Dermott highlights a strong group of players but none come in with the same expectations as the 20-year old. This is why this weekend is a big opportunity for the Newmarket, Ont., native to get a head start on his audition for one of the few open spots on the Leafs blueline.
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Next on the list is the 17th overall pick of this year’s draft, Timothy Liljegren who will have a lot of eyes on him throughout the weekend. There is a big decision looming for the 18-year old as many are wondering if he stays in the AHL or goes back to Sweden for another season. His skating and puck moving ability will be something to watch for but more importantly, how he handles himself in defensive situations.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe gets a good opportunity to also look at some newer additions to his Marlies team which seems to get younger each season. After adding Dermott, Andrew Nielsen, Carl Grundstrom and Dmytro Timashov, Keefe will be getting more additions to his forward group. Jeremy Bracco, Adam Brooks, and J.J. Piccinich will get a chance to see what Keefe looks for in his system.
Bracco is coming off a Memorial Cup championship and should be a major offensive boost on the right side while Adam Brooks brings intrigue as a center. Brooks was a standout in the WHL this season and could bring great value to the Leafs if he is able to translate his game to the next level.
In net Kasimir Kaskisuo is going to be in a tough battle for the Marlies starters job after a tough end to the season after he had a great start to his AHL career. Cal Heeter was signed to a contract to provide some insurance but Garret Sparks is likely getting the starting gig if he is able to stay healthy. Ian Scott was an interesting draft choice by the Leafs 110th overall but considering how Prince Albert played in front of him, it will be interesting to see how the Calgary native performs with a better team in front of him.
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The first game goes on Friday against the Montreal Canadiens at 7:00p.m. then finish off on Sunday at 4:00p.m. against the Ottawa Senators.