Great thing about Toninato and Cameranesi is we have 5 years to let them develop out of the spotlight and without having to worry about giving them a contract.
I think you'll see more late picks from the high school ranks and fewer from the lower level European leagues now that European players rights are only held for 2 years. For long-term project picks 2 years isn't enough time to really evaluate them. For example the Leafs were still interested in Olden and plan on keeping an eye on him but he hadn't progressed enough to earn a contract.
We still might be interested in Nichols and Olden. It can happen in the future.
However agreed, it will be a nice edition for sure.
Just curious, which of our Defensive prospects do other fans think will eventually make up the Leaf's defense?
I have high hopes for Finn and think he could be a steal.. Still not sure if a Phaneuf-Rielly pairing would be effective when not on the power-play.
Phaneuf - Rielly
Gardiner - Finn
Gunnar - Percy
Also, I think of Gunnar and Percy as similar players, not sure if that will work to their advantage or if Gunnar-Blacker or Percy-Blacker would work better. Considering Gunnar might ask for a hefty raise, I can see him getting moved for a cheaper/similar alternative in Percy.
Wouldn't mind trading some of the defensive depth (Holzer, Franson, Loov, Granberg, etc.) for some forwards... although our wings are also starting to get clogged up.
Just curious, which of our Defensive prospects do other fans think will eventually make up the Leaf's defense?
I have high hopes for Finn and think he could be a steal.. Still not sure if a Phaneuf-Rielly pairing would be effective when not on the power-play.
Phaneuf - Rielly
Gardiner - Finn
Gunnar - Percy
Also, I think of Gunnar and Percy as similar players, not sure if that will work to their advantage or if Gunnar-Blacker or Percy-Blacker would work better. Considering Gunnar might ask for a hefty raise, I can see him getting moved for a cheaper/similar alternative in Percy.
Wouldn't mind trading some of the defensive depth (Holzer, Franson, Loov, Granberg, etc.) for some forwards... although our wings are also starting to get clogged up.
We need a stay at home d-man in there, a hard hitting smart stay at home kind of guy.
Gunanr/Percy are great positional guys, Gardiner is more of a pure offensive specialist(with quick feet to help fix mistakes), Phaneuf-Rielly is a fantastic 1st pairing.
Problem here is only Phaneuf really hits, you need another hitter there.
He is playing for Valerenga in Norway's men's league. No idea what caliber if hockey it is, but I can't imagine its very good.
Former NHLer Espen Knutsen is the coach, Thoresen played there and they seem to be something of a dynasty in the league they play in, and that's about all I know about it.
We need a stay at home d-man in there, a hard hitting smart stay at home kind of guy.
Gunanr/Percy are great positional guys, Gardiner is more of a pure offensive specialist(with quick feet to help fix mistakes), Phaneuf-Rielly is a fantastic 1st pairing.
Problem here is only Phaneuf really hits, you need another hitter there.
I feel like Burke is trying to move our defense away from Schenn/Komi like Dmen and more towards Blacker/Finn type d-man. Blacker can throw the body around and from what I've seen of Finn, he's no slouch when it comes to physicality.... Not a Schenn-type or Komisarek-type Dman, but 2 way Dmen that can play physically.
A Gardiner-Finn pairing seems like a less skilled Phaneuf-Rielly pairing to me...
He is playing for Valerenga in Norway's men's league. No idea what caliber if hockey it is, but I can't imagine its very good.
Former NHLer Espen Knutsen is the coach, Thoresen played there and they seem to be something of a dynasty in the league they play in, and that's about all I know about it.
If he can't produce in the Norwegian league... I think we can stop holding our breath about him still being a project.
Looks like the team is being led by twins from Oakville, kinda neat. I often wonder what life as a professional hockey player in Europe is like. I've read the pay is rather mixed, but sounds like an awesome experience for at least a year or two.
"Watching Morgan Reilly play tonight; he reminded me of a young Scott Niedermeyer. I really like his ability to be elusive with the puck and the speed he has, as well he's heavy on his stick a has the sense on which player to find and when to give him the puck."
*Paraphrasing Ray Ferraro
even though he didn't have a point he was definitely a dangerous.
