Toronto Maple Leafs pre-season prospect rankings: 16-20

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SUNRISE, FL – JUNE 27: Jesper Lindgren poses for a portrait after being selected 95th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center on June 27, 2015 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

20. Jesper Lindgren

Lindgren went from playing in the SHL to the Finnish league last season, eventually making his way to the Marlies with a tryout contract. The Leafs had to make a decision on the 21-year-old or risked losing his rights.

They decided to give Lindgren an entry-level contract so maybe there’s something the organization sees with the young defenceman but at this point, there’s not a lot to go by since he only played four games with the Marlies.

It is no secret that the Leafs have targeted Sweden especially on the backend but the issue that they face now is trying to find them playing time in the AHL. Luckily, their affiliation with the Newfoundland Growlers will give a player like Lindgren a chance to continue his development and get a lot of playing time.

What gives him an advantage is that he’s a right-handed shot which is a premium that many teams covet. Lindgren is known for his skating ability, and hockey IQ but isn’t an offensive stud and hasn’t had a lot of experience on the North American ice.

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