toronto maple leafs prospects at the world juniorstoronto maple leafs prospects at the world juniors

He scored 10 goals and had 32 points in 48 games with Karpat in 2021-22.

After seeing a considerable amount of time on Finlands top line along with Florida Panthers prospect Anton Lundell and Los Angeles Kings prospect Kasper Simontaival, Hirvonen will return to represent Finland one final time at this years festivities. Team USA will play Slovakia on the first night (December 26th) of the tournament at 9:30 pm ET. Hirvonen was one of Finlands more clutch players last year and scored some crucial goals for them, and hes relentless on the puck to the point where it gets under his opponents skin. Even the draft, and that Canada under-20 camp in the summer in Calgary, and his time living with Spezza and then for a week with Rielly feels like a long, long time ago.. Drafted: 2021, 2nd round, 57th overall. Hes good defensively. The 2022 tournament is shaping up to be a big one. In Finlands seven games, Roni Hirvonen had seven points and Niemela had six points. Though it spilled into October and cost him the start of his post-draft season with Kamloops, he felt he had a good start to the year and came back more confident than hed ever been.

"He played exceptionally well for them," Dubas said of Holmberg's brief AHL stint. Like Hirvonen, Topi Niemel had a performance to remember in the 2021 edition of the World Juniors. Welcome to NHL.com, the official site of the National Hockey League, Bienvenue LNH.com , le site officiel de la Ligue nationale de hockey, Tervetuloa NHL:n viralliselle nettisivustolle NHL.comiin, Vlkommen till NHL.com, NHL:s officiella web-sida, Vtejte na NHL.com, oficilnch strnkch National Hockey League, Vitajte na NHL.com, oficilnych strnkach National Hockey League, Willkommen auf NHL.com, der offiziellen Seite der National Hockey League, Bienvenido a NHL.com, el sitio oficial de la National Hockey League. It's led by world class players. I hope all of the Leafs prospects do well in the tournament. The 19-year-old is having a good season in the NCAA for the University of Minnesota. Dubas made a note to single out Mintens hockey IQ, and he brings a strong two-way game along with some sneaky offensive upside. Steeves was 2nd in the NCAA in primary even-strength points with 20, including 13 of his 15 goals. Last year, the Toronto Maple Leafs saw prospects Matthew Knies suit up for Team USA and Roni Hirvonen and Topi Niemela play for Finland. It was there where, like Sandland, he developed an appreciation for the way Minten has gotten to where he is today. Hes working on his defence. Hes always engaged in whatever were doing. As I mentioned earlier on, he came in the move to trade down at the 2020 NHL Draft along with Hirvonen, and at the time, the Maple Leafs drafted him mostly because of his advanced defensive game and hockey IQ for his age.

Without further ado, here is my take on the Maple Leafs top 10 prospects heading into the 2022-23 season. Like his good friend Niemela, he's not the biggest player (5-9, 164) but has good leadership qualities and served as Finland's captain at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, where he had seven points (three goals, four assists) in seven games.

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"The real draw at the end of the day when you look at all the things surrounding this place, and it's a special, special place, the draw is the team. Use arrows to navigate between autocomplete results.

The one aspect of his game that Steeves has going for him more than other prospects is his speed. The Richmond Hill native just completed his first full season for the University of Connecticut, finishing with 14 goals and 32 points in 36 games. Alan Millar calls Ryan Tverberg (TOR) one of the two most improved players in the Hockey Canada program during the evaluation process this year. He covers the Toronto Maple Leafs, World Juniors, and the NHL Entry Draft, and is also part of the Sticks in the 6ix Podcast, presented by THW. Watching Knies game, he has a play style similar to that of former Maple Leafs winger Zach Hyman. Hirvonen will take part in his second World Juniors.

The physicality piece has been an area where he has really shown growth. Related: 4 Winners From the 2022 NHL Draft. Hirvonen currently has four goals and seven assists for 11 points in 25 games. pic.twitter.com/bCoU1uzP6e Kevin Papetti (@KPapetti) December 27, 2021, Topi Niemela (TOR) scores his first goal of the tournament.

Ryan Tverberg is possibly one of the quickest risers on the Maple Leafs prospect depth chart since he was drafted in 2020. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. Updated hourly, with analysis, commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read over 5 million times every month. Hes a guy that is really driven. Boy oh boy, is Niemela ever a fun prospect. You come back from camp and you realize Wow, these guys are really strong, Ive got to push. So he has definitely been a guy who engages in contact and stays in battles. to colleagues, clients or customers, or inquire about Personally, the way I try to lead is by example, he said when pressed. Like hes so good 200 feet. I think his ceiling is as a second-line forward in the NHL, but a middle-six forward with strong defensive capabilities is probably a safer bet. pic.twitter.com/wFAL1y5E0E Nick DeSouza (@NickDeSouza_) December 27, 2018, Here, Rasmus Sandin starts the breakout on the powerplay and it leads to a nice chance for the Leafs 2018 6th round pick Pontus Holmberg. If he makes it to the NHL, I see his ceiling as a middle-six winger with strong offensive upside.

This year, there are no Leafs prospects guaranteed a spot in the tournament, but there are a couple with a great chance to represent their countries. "On the ice and off the ice, he wants to know what the best are doing and how they're achieving their fitness standards, for example," Wickenheiser said, "and he really has a plan for himself of where he wants to see himself go. 28 on NHL Central Scoutings final ranking of North American skaters in advance of the Leafs taking him in the second round in Montreal. NHL.com is the official web site of the National Hockey League. In May, the Maple Leafs signed Hirvonen to a three-year, entry-level contract, which begins this upcoming season. 4-4.

Months later, when Sandland was on a phone call talking about his teams alternate captain, hes recalling that story in explaining how if theres one thing hed like people to know about Minten, its just how humble he is. But he has had a good start in the KHL with Ufa-based Salavat Yulaev (five goals, three assists). He responded to his draft year performance by tallying a whopping 55 goals and 86 points in 46 games, and with no OHL season due to COVID-19, Robertson was given an exception to get a head start with the Marlies. Matthew Knies (TOR) ties the game with a wicked snipe with nine seconds left in the third period. He has a great shot. Lilley says: Its a 19-year-olds tournament.

Hes the captain in Victoriaville this year, which for us is a step in the development department to not only be a good player on your team but then take that next step to be a leader. Regardless of which team he is playing for, just playing in the tournament will be an incredible experience for him. With 16 points in 14 games for the University of Connecticut, Tverbergs development looks to be way ahead of schedule. Receive direct access to our top content, contests and perks. Leafs Prospects; Leafs Prospect Update: Matthew Knies and Ryan Tverberg invited to World Juniors Camps, Rodion Amirov returns to action, William Villeneuve scores overtime winner Its unbelievable. Toronto Star articles, please go to: www.TorontoStarReprints.com, Conversations are opinions of our readers and are subject to the, The Toronto Star and thestar.com, each property of Toronto Star He finished the season with 57 points in 65 games along with 16 points in 17 playoff games. Topi Niemela got drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third round of the 2020 NHL draft. He plays in the pro league as well playing against men.

He finished last season with 21 points in 54 games for Assat of the same league, and hes on pace to crush his career high, so it would appear switching teams was the best thing for the Maple Leafs 2020 second round pick. Trending Players.

To order Kevin Papetti - Dec 14, 2020 Advertisement The World Junior Hockey Championships have been a staple of the holiday season for decades. Maple Leafs Acquire Matt Murray & Draft Picks For Future Considerations, Maple Leafs Commentary: Matt Murray, Goalie Solution or Mrazek Mistake.

I think he has just grown in all areas as a player and as a person, Clouston said.

At his first World Juniors in 2021, Hirvonen scored two goals and added four assists in seven games and helped the national team win a bronze medal at the tournament. Fraser Minten was a late cut from last summers makeup tournament after getting an invite to Canadas camp.

Minten, middle, celebrates with his Kamloops teammates. He plays a great 200-foot game. Today, the top five prospects for the Toronto Maple Leafs, according to NHL.com.

Leading the OHL in goals per game might be enough to at least get him a look. He just gets things and he just plays such a rounded, kind of pro-style game already. To order copies of Its also worth noting that the goaltender on that team was current Maple Leafs goaltender Erik Kallgren.

The 2022 IHF World Junior Championship kicks off Tuesday, April 9 with Slovakia taking on Czechia at 2 p.m. Lilley says: Our expectations for him is were hoping he has a prominent role in the Russian team. But on top of the tenacity and physical play Hyman has, Knies also has a very good shot. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. He also makes weekly appearances on THW's Maple Leafs Lounge Roundtable. With many players aging out from the 2022 tournament, he will have a good shot at making it this year. David Alter Aug 15, 2022 1:05 AM EDT The Americans finished undefeated in their group after they hung on to defeat Sweden 3-2 at the 2022 World Junior Championship on Sunday. S ubject to change, virtually at any hour, Sheldon Keefe remains the coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who definitely are in search of a new general manager and, who knows, could be looking for . Then, when the Finnish blueliner exploded for 32 points in 48 SM-Liiga games this season, talk of him being a top prospect began. Despite only having three prospects at the World Juniors this year, all three players I mentioned will be worth keeping an eye on as the tournament gets underway in Edmonton and Red Deer. His combination of size and skill make him an integral part of the team, and theres no doubt in my mind that hell be utilized as such. If youre a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, heres the scoop on who the team is sending and what to expect from each prospect at this years tournament. He could make his NHL debut following the end of Minnesota's season. Follow Scott on Twitter @scottcwheeler. His game isnt even about points, Sandland said. He factors into our offence for sure. As for his ceiling, I see him in a similar position to that of Steeves. Toronto Maple Leafs The playmaking center, who was the MVP of the SHL Playoffs in 2021 with 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in 14 games, joined Toronto of the AHL at the end of the 2021-22 season and had four points (two goals, two assists) in six games, impressing Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas in the process. Certainly, in the next one or two seasons, we want to see him make a jump. by And despite not making Team Canada, the fact that he was even considered to make the team considering where he was drafted should be seen as a positive sign. 64 pick in 2020 NHL Draft, 2021-22 season: Karpat (Liiga): 48 GP, 10-22-32. In his rookie season at Minnesota, hes tied for third in the country amongst goals by freshmen players. Having said that, I still think hes got a future in Toronto, and if he sticks around, I see him as a high-octane second-line winger with 20-25 goal potential. / NHL.com Independent Correspondent, Stanley Cup Final | Golden Knights vs. Panthers. He definitely deserves an invite to camp, but if he doesnt make the team this year, hes eligible for the 2024 tournament as well. But Minten had to earn that status, a status he now shies away from, through a slow, steady climb. In terms of his ceiling, I see him as an energetic third-line player with the ability to take reps in the top six.

Why the Maple Leafs Dont Need to Force a Trade to Become Salary Cap Compliant, Calle Jarnkroks Contract Signals Return of Maple Leafs Pre-Pandemic Salary Cap Strategy, Its Way Too Early to Worry About Auston Matthews Future with the Maple Leafs. But knock Dubas all you want, his draft classes since he took over GM duties look promising, and should be given a chance to flower before the abilities of him and his scouting team are questioned. Daily Hive is a Canadian-born online news source, established in 2008, that creates compelling, hyperlocal content. When Treliving took over as GM of the Calgary Flames on Apr.

Database: 1 013 903 players . I hold myself to very high standards trying to improve every day and make the most of the resources and opportunities were given, and I think people follow it. Meanwhile, Team Russia will be icing a phenom of their own in fellow 16 year-old Matvei Michkov, whos projected to be a top-two pick in 2023 along with Bedard.

Hes a pretty cool kid.. It was in his best interest and the best interest of everybody to give him the best opportunity to make the Toronto Maple Leafs, Lilley said.

I. Nice addition to the organization pic.twitter.com/oWIkB2NFV6. Position: C

(Stats from eliteprospects.com). So hes a real important piece.. After losing 15 pounds due to an undisclosed illness in the summer of 2021 and missing the start of the United States Hockey League (USHL) season, Moldenhauer returned, only to suffer a terrifying skate laceration on his face. Height 5'19 Weight 176 lbs [178 cm/80 kg] Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2nd Round, #53 Overall, at the 2019 NHL Draft. The American will represent his country for the second time this year (third if you count the cancelled version of the tournament). All Although Matthew.

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KAMLOOPS, B.C. 2021 Top Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect: Nick Robertson. Hes been taking Finlands top pro league by storm this year, so one can only imagine what hell be able to do with a years worth of experience and training under his belt after he was already named the tournaments top defenseman once.

On Saturday, March 26th, the Maple Leafs announced that the team signed prospect Nick . His skills have been on full display for the University of Minnesota so far in 2021-22, and his impressive start should be enough to earn him some proper looks in Team USAs top six. Of the four Toronto Maple Leafs prospects that did get selected, there will be three countries represented. Hes a smart player, hes got excellent speed.

Finland goes up against Latvia at 6 p.m. But on top of the production, he was also 552 for 1,027 in the faceoff circle (53.7 percent) and he became lethal attacking off the wall on the power play (where he scored 17 of his goals, fourth-most in the WHL). What makes Niemelas role even more important is that he was drafted for the advanced defensive instincts he possessed for his age, which makes his newfound offensive ability that much more of a pleasant surprise..@MapleLeafs prospect Topi Niemela scores on the powerplay for his second point of the night against Team USA pic.twitter.com/bIE5YC6Af4 TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 23, 2020, . Newspapers Limited, 8 Spadina Avenue, 10th Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 0S8. Here is a look at each of those four prospects. Published. Said Joshua Roy (MTL) was the other. July 12, 2022 by Alex Hobson The Toronto Maple Leafs headed into the 2022 NHL Draft in familiar territory as the 2021 NHL Draft, with only three picks in the seven rounds to work with.

Usually, a GM will only do that if theres a specific prospect they want, and evidently, they got their guy in this case. He has five goals and 17 assists for 22 points in 25 games so far this season. Like Kokkonen, hes played above his age bracket most of his teenaged career. Position: D This season, Hirvonen took a step forward and finished the season with 26 points in 46 games for HIFK of Finlands top pro league.

When he first showed up here, he wasnt that big and strong so I think hes kind of embracing that. Maple Leafs Prospects Toronto Maple Leafs Must Set Nick Robertson Up For Success in 2022-23. Six is a fairly impressive number. He currently has seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in 16 games. All NHL team jerseys customized with NHL players' names and numbers are officially licensed by the NHL and the NHLPA. Enter Search Term. The Finnish national team picked.

pic.twitter.com/Dj1cO35Xum TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 2, 2021, FINLAND PULLS AHEAD!Roni Hirvonen puts Finland ahead 3-2 with just 23.3 seconds to go. Hockey Canada Director of Player Personnel said that Tverberg was among the most improved players at selection camp and was one of the toughest cuts to make.Alan Millar calls Ryan Tverberg (TOR) one of the two most improved players in the Hockey Canada program during the evaluation process this year. Giving him the fairest chance to make the Maple Leafs is the ultimate goal.. And with fans expected to be back in the buildings, this years festivities will be extra fun to keep tabs on. Leave a comment below and let me know.

It has been something that he has focussed on. When he talks about wearing a letter, despite having just turned 18 last summer, he deflects, pointing to the amazing group of leaders around him, and an organization that has won its division title in four consecutive seasons. Hes likely going to spend at least the next year or two in Finland, but having signed his entry-level contract two months ago, Id have to imagine the Maple Leafs will be looking to get him over to North America sooner rather than later. Brandon Lisowsky is having a great season so far with 8 goals and 18 points in 16 WHL games, but it doesnt seem good enough to garner much interest for Team Canada. Matthew Knies Matthew Knies is a 2021 second-round pick of the Leafs selected #57th overall.

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Matthew Knies and the team USA were handed their first loss at the 2022 World Juniors and are going home after falling to Czechia in the quarterfinals. 4-4. The Maple Leafs signed Alex Steeves as an undrafted free agent following the end of his junior year with the University of Notre Dame, fresh off a 32-point campaign through 29 games. Try a week on us. Minten is also the teams fifth-youngest player, Hes a guy that sort of has a real good sense of the pulse of the team, Clouston explains. LAVAL, QC - OCTOBER 27: Semyon Der-Arguchintsev #19 of the Toronto Marlies takes a shot near Michael Pezzetta #23 of the Laval .

2023 The Hockey News, Roustan Media Ltd, Matthew Knies Skates in Final Scrimmage of Maple Leafs Development Camp. Knies will be representing Team USA at the World Junior Championship.

"We want to see him elevate his game and really take control from the blue line," Wickenheiser said, "and that's from a defensive standpoint as well in terms of being able to play two ways and be that outstanding defenseman that he was last year. Copyright 2023 Buzz Connected Media Inc. Daily Hive uses cookies to enhance your experience.

Akhtyamov is no slouch, though. Toronto will have prospects representing Team Canada, Team USA, and Team Finland at this years World Junior Championship. But given his style of play, I think hes capable of handling it. The 20-year-old, under contract with Karpat in Finland's top professional league for another year, had six assists in seven games for Finland at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship and was voted the top defenseman at the 2021 World Juniors. Republication or distribution of this content is Its the luck of the draw. He needs to continue to work on his skating and mobility. "Physically, he is very imposing. Last season, Holmberg took yet another step in the SHL, finishing the 2021-22 campaign with 41 points in 46 games, good for second on his team in scoring. Knies has been taking reps on Team USAs second line alongside 2022 draft eligible prospect Logan Cooley and Florida Panthers prospect Mackie Samoskevich.

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He impressed there, putting up 16 points in 21 games in his rookie AHL season, and continued to impress in his sophomore campaign with 28 points in 26 games. Topi Niemela (TOR) scores his first goal of the tournament. Coming up, when Minten played at the West Van Academy, one teammate in particular got all the attention: Connor Bedard. With Seattle Kraken prospect Matthew Beniers and Calgary Flames prospect Matthew Coronato set to lead the charge for the States, Knies has an opportunity to step into a big secondary role for the United States. Who do you agree and disagree with? Mintens injury to start the season might slightly hamper his chances at making the team, but he has 3 goals and 11 points in 7 WHL games since returning. Build your customFanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis onToronto Maple Leafs and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. Were excited for him. If his development goes smoothly, I see his ceiling as a middle-six centre with possible top-six potential on the wing. ", How acquired: Selected with No. Team Canada will boast the likes of both 2022 projected first overall pick Shane Wright along with 2023 projected top pick, 16 year-old phenom Connor Bedard.

Selected in the third round (64th overall) by the Maple Leafs in the 2020 NHL Draft, Niemela had a goal in the first two games in the first version the 2022 World Juniors. The Finnish defenseman put up points at a blistering pace this season in Liiga. Difficult cuts. As good as Akhtyamov has been in the KHL and two lower leagues, hes not expected to get much ice time in the tournament with teammate Yaroslav Askarov seen as the next big thing in goaltending. As for his ceiling, I see him as a future top-four defenseman with power play and penalty kill abilities. Tverberg getting chosen by Team Canada for the 2022 World Junior Championship was a bit of a surprise. I think hell earn ice time., Drafted: 2020 (third round, 64th overall).

The 19-year-old's ascension from second-round draft pick to point-a-game player in the NCAA was impressive enough to land him a spot representing the United States at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where he had a goal and an assist in four games. He finished fourth on the team in scoring last year with six points in seven games, including the goal to punch Finlands ticket to the semi finals.FINLAND PULLS AHEAD!Roni Hirvonen puts Finland ahead 3-2 with just 23.3 seconds to go.

The Los Angeles Kings have nine players in Edmonton, the Detroit Red Wings have seven prospects, followed by the Anaheim Ducks, the New Jersey Devils and the Leafs with six each. Niemela produced at over a point-per-game pace with two goals and six assists in seven games at the 2021 World Juniors and was named the top defenseman for the tournament.

I'm coming in with no preconceived notions.

"As I said to him, it's a little bit of a unique situation. Braeden Kressler is an interesting prospect. The Zamboni word mark and configuration of the Zamboni ice resurfacing machine are registered trademarks of Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. 2023. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. 59 pick in 2020 NHL Draft, 2021-22 season: HIFK (Liiga): 46 GP, 9-17-26. Four of the six Maple Leafs prospects competing at the 2021 World Junior Championship were in action on Christmas, kicking off the tournament in Edmonton. This year, on a loaded Blazers team that had seven drafted forward prospects by years end, plus a top draft eligible in 2023 prospect Connor Levis, Minten finished third on the team in goals per . Here, Rasmus Sandin starts the breakout on the powerplay and it leads to a nice chance for the Leafs 2018 6th round pick Pontus Holmberg.

Two are top-line wingers, and one is a very intriguing defenceman, impressing early. The 20-year-old is under contract with HIFK in Finland's top professional league but it's still undetermined whether he'll return this season. All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. NHL 2023.

He was coming off a 45-point season through 44 USHL games in 2019-20, so when he finished the 2020-21 season with 42 points in 44 games, people saw it as a step back. Teams World Juniors Six Maple Leafs prospects will take on the maple leaf at world junior tournament Toronto has three players each on the rosters of Finland and Russia. In the end, general manager (GM) Kyle Dubas was able to turn three picks into five. If he continues to progress, hell have a better shot at making the team the year. Then, Dubas traded down in the third round and acquired a fifth-round pick in the process, and also traded a fourth-round pick next season in exchange for a fourth-round pick in this class.

Then after his team suffered an early exit from the playoffs, he joined the Toronto Marlies and tallied four points in six games. Knies announced in April he'll be returning to the University of Minnesota, a decision the Maple Leafs fully support. Hes also physical for a centre, and seeing that the Maple Leafs have virtually no prospect depth up the middle, he will fill a massive need in the teams prospect pool.

Fast forward a year, and Knies easily looks like he could have been a first-round pick.

He was invited to USAs camp in the summer and currently leads the OHL in points with 30 points in 16 games. The dynamic, two-way center scored a goal for Finland in the two games they played before the tournament was put on hold. Prospects Roni Hirvonen and Topi Niemel ventured to Toronto earlier in the summer to work out with the likes of John Tavares and Michael Bunting and get to know the organization and city. Expect him to slot right back into his role on Finlands top line and improve on last years tournament. as hes suffered injuries each year hes been directly in the Maple Leafs system, which has likely prevented him from getting some more looks in the NHL. Though he has led the Maple Leafs to success during the regular season, Keefe has won only one Stanley Cup Playoff series during his tenure, when Toronto defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games in the Eastern Conference First Round this season.