Toronto Maple Leafs pre-season prospect rankings: 11-15
14. Mac Hollowell
Kyle Dubas went to his old stomping ground in Sault Ste. Marie when he selected Mac Hollowell in the fourth round. He is on the small size at 5-foot-9 170 pouds, but enjoyed a breakout season with 56 points in 63 games.
It would be a long shot to expect Hollowell to make the Marlies so depending on how he does at camp, he could be back in the OHL with the Greyhounds or potentially in the ECHL with the Newfoundland Growlers.
General manager Dubas told the 19-year-old that while the odds might be stacked against him to make the Marlies, it shouldn’t discourage him.
“He told me my goal should be to give myself the best chance to make the Marlies,” said Hollowell to Peter Ruicci of the Sault Star. “But if I don’t make it, he told me I’m in a good spot in the Sault.”
If that’s the case then expect Hollowell to take on a big role with his OHL team, with many looking to take the next step in their career to the point where he is the best player on the ice.
The Niagara Ont., native did say he wants to get stronger, so he can improve his one-on-one battle in the defensive zone. He’ll also join the Leafs at the rookie tournament and probably goes back as one of the first cuts after training camp.