Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - Ongoing Toronto Maple Leafs Thread 2014/15

devo22 · 02-12-2015, 05:36 PM

IMPROVED PLAY, BUT STILL NO PLAYOFF SPOT

Since my last update, the Leafs have posted a 9-6-2 record. Some good results have allowed them to stay in the playoff hunt, but they are still on the outside looking in right now. Currently, the Leafs are 3 points behind the 8th spot, but also have games in hand. They desperately need a winning streak soon if they don't want their golfing season to start early again.
-
vs CBJ 5-1 W
at LAK 1-3 L
at ANA 1-3 L
at SJS 4-2 W
at STL 2-0 W
vs CAR 1-3 L
at OTT 4-5 O
at NJD 2-3 O
vs ARI 3-2 W
at PHI 2-1 W
at NSH 2-1 W
at NJD 5-4 L
vs EDM 2-3 L
vs NYR 3-2 W
at NYI 3-1 W
at MTL 3-2 W
vs FLA 1-3 L

TRADE WINDS ARE BLOWING

The Leafs have been busy on the trade market, making all kinds of deals: lateral, upgrade, downgrade, futures ... you name it. As a result, there's been a number of new faces coming in while some big contracts have also been moved out.

The Leafs also shipped out Sam Carrick and Louie Belpedio, while acquiring some 2nd and 3rd round picks in various deals. Also not included in the picture is Brian Boyle, who was acquired and traded again in a matter of a few days.

PROSPECT REPORT: LEAFS HAVE A PROMISING COLLECTION OF COLLEGE PROSPECTS

... no, not Weezie! It's rather Jimmy Vesey who spearheads a collection of promising college prospects within the Leafs organization. Vesey, a junior forward for Harvard University, is one of the most prolific goalscorers in the NCAA right now, scoring 18 goals in 22 games while also adding 17 assists. He's improved significantly over the last two seasons and we are excited to see what he can do once he turns pro with the NHL Predators.

Two other junior forwards posting good numbers are centermen Andrew Copp and Boo Nieves, who are both playing for the University of Michigan right now. Drafted into the NHL by the Jets and Rangers respectively, Copp is currently scoring a point per game (13+11 in 24) while Nieves' numbers are not far off either (4+15 in 22). I expect both to play their senior year too, but you just never know.

One of the most pleasant surprises has been freshman forward Danton Heinen. The Bruins prospect has adapted to the college game very quickly, scoring 29 points in his first 26 games for the University of Denver. He'll need time to physically mature and add weight, but it's encouraging that the transition to college has been so smooth and we're excited to have him in the fold.

Rounding out a solid group of forward prospects at the college level are Taylor Cammarata, Vince Hinostroza, Robbie Baillargeon, Shane Eiserman and Tim Harrison.

On the blueline, Matthew Grzelcyk is having a very good season for Boston University. After his sophomore season was cut short due to injury, he has bounced back in impressive style, scoring 18 points in 26 games. He's very small for a defenseman, but that didn't stop guys like Torey Krug or Jared Spurgeon get to the NHL level. Grzelcyk has the potential to do the same, but he's still some time away.

Ever since starting his college career, Blues third rounder Colton Parayko has been an important defenseman for the University of Alaska-Fairbanks and his junior season has not been an exception so far (19 points in 28 games). He still needs to fill his huge frame, so I expect him to stay at Alaska for another year as well.

After being drafted as an overager by the Penguins this past June, Jeff Taylor has wasted no time trying to prove that the Penguins spent their 7th rounder wisely. The sophomore is leading all college defensemen in scoring right now (28 points in 28 games) while playing for Union College.

The Leafs also have two defensemen from Providence College in their system. Unfortunately, John Gilmour has seen his season cut short due to injury which came as a huge blow to the defensive-oriented Friars. Meanwhile, teammate Anthony Florentino, a Sabres draft selection and long-term project, has improved steadily over his first two college seasons.

The sole college goaltender in the Leafs system is junior Adam Wilcox. Playing for the Golden Gophers, Wilcox had a spectacular 2013-14 season, winning both the Player of the Year and Goaltender of the Year awards in the Big-10 Division. Given the NHL Lightnings depth at the goaltending position, they will probably be patient with Wilcox and I wouldn't be surprised if he returned for his senior year.

02-12-2015, 05:36 PM	#11
devo22 Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Austria, NOT Australia Exp:	IMPROVED PLAY, BUT STILL NO PLAYOFF SPOT Since my last update, the Leafs have posted a 9-6-2 record. Some good results have allowed them to stay in the playoff hunt, but they are still on the outside looking in right now. Currently, the Leafs are 3 points behind the 8th spot, but also have games in hand. They desperately need a winning streak soon if they don't want their golfing season to start early again. - vs CBJ 5-1 W at LAK 1-3 L at ANA 1-3 L at SJS 4-2 W at STL 2-0 W vs CAR 1-3 L at OTT 4-5 O at NJD 2-3 O vs ARI 3-2 W at PHI 2-1 W at NSH 2-1 W at NJD 5-4 L vs EDM 2-3 L vs NYR 3-2 W at NYI 3-1 W at MTL 3-2 W vs FLA 1-3 L TRADE WINDS ARE BLOWING The Leafs have been busy on the trade market, making all kinds of deals: lateral, upgrade, downgrade, futures ... you name it. As a result, there's been a number of new faces coming in while some big contracts have also been moved out. The Leafs also shipped out Sam Carrick and Louie Belpedio, while acquiring some 2nd and 3rd round picks in various deals. Also not included in the picture is Brian Boyle, who was acquired and traded again in a matter of a few days. PROSPECT REPORT: LEAFS HAVE A PROMISING COLLECTION OF COLLEGE PROSPECTS ... no, not Weezie! It's rather Jimmy Vesey who spearheads a collection of promising college prospects within the Leafs organization. Vesey, a junior forward for Harvard University, is one of the most prolific goalscorers in the NCAA right now, scoring 18 goals in 22 games while also adding 17 assists. He's improved significantly over the last two seasons and we are excited to see what he can do once he turns pro with the NHL Predators. Two other junior forwards posting good numbers are centermen Andrew Copp and Boo Nieves, who are both playing for the University of Michigan right now. Drafted into the NHL by the Jets and Rangers respectively, Copp is currently scoring a point per game (13+11 in 24) while Nieves' numbers are not far off either (4+15 in 22). I expect both to play their senior year too, but you just never know. One of the most pleasant surprises has been freshman forward Danton Heinen. The Bruins prospect has adapted to the college game very quickly, scoring 29 points in his first 26 games for the University of Denver. He'll need time to physically mature and add weight, but it's encouraging that the transition to college has been so smooth and we're excited to have him in the fold. Rounding out a solid group of forward prospects at the college level are Taylor Cammarata, Vince Hinostroza, Robbie Baillargeon, Shane Eiserman and Tim Harrison. On the blueline, Matthew Grzelcyk is having a very good season for Boston University. After his sophomore season was cut short due to injury, he has bounced back in impressive style, scoring 18 points in 26 games. He's very small for a defenseman, but that didn't stop guys like Torey Krug or Jared Spurgeon get to the NHL level. Grzelcyk has the potential to do the same, but he's still some time away. Ever since starting his college career, Blues third rounder Colton Parayko has been an important defenseman for the University of Alaska-Fairbanks and his junior season has not been an exception so far (19 points in 28 games). He still needs to fill his huge frame, so I expect him to stay at Alaska for another year as well. After being drafted as an overager by the Penguins this past June, Jeff Taylor has wasted no time trying to prove that the Penguins spent their 7th rounder wisely. The sophomore is leading all college defensemen in scoring right now (28 points in 28 games) while playing for Union College. The Leafs also have two defensemen from Providence College in their system. Unfortunately, John Gilmour has seen his season cut short due to injury which came as a huge blow to the defensive-oriented Friars. Meanwhile, teammate Anthony Florentino, a Sabres draft selection and long-term project, has improved steadily over his first two college seasons. The sole college goaltender in the Leafs system is junior Adam Wilcox. Playing for the Golden Gophers, Wilcox had a spectacular 2013-14 season, winning both the Player of the Year and Goaltender of the Year awards in the Big-10 Division. Given the NHL Lightnings depth at the goaltending position, they will probably be patient with Wilcox and I wouldn't be surprised if he returned for his senior year. Last edited by devo22; 02-12-2015 at 05:48 PM.