After the Leafs selected defenseman Travis Dermott with the 34th overall pick, they waited anxiously as the second round picks progressed, until it was their time to pick again at #61. With this pick, the Leafs selected forward Jeremy Bracco of the USNTDP. Some did not like the idea of this selection, given that Bracco is another small winger, a type of player the Leafs were already stacked with, but his skill is unbelievable, so let's get to know him. Who's Jeremy Bracco?
Coming off a great season with the USNTDP, Bracco is an elite offensive force. The Freeport, NY native has been above a point per game player his entire life and shows no signs of slowing down. He recorded 32 points in 24 games with the USNTDP Juniors, 94 points in 65 games with the U.S National U18 Team, and 14 points in 7 games with the U18 World Junior Team, and finished second on that team in scoring, sitting only behind Auston Matthews, the favourite to go first overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. With 168 points, Bracco sits third all-time in USNTDP scoring, sitting only behind Patrick Kane (172) and Phil Kessel (180).
So what does Bracco bring to the table? The most visible aspect to his game would be his playmaking ability. He set a new record for most assists for the U.S National U18 program, recording 64 assists in 65 games. Bracco also contributed 122 assists all time for the USNTDP in general, above players such as Patrick Kane. All in all, Bracco is a pretty good playmaker. He has elite vision on the ice and he's stated numerous times that he intends to prove anyone who turned their backs on him due to his size wrong. If Bracco is on your team, you don't need him to be a big, bruising, hitter who intimidates people on the ice with his size. You want him as an elite offensive force that can be used anywhere in the offensive zone. Whether he will head to school at Boston College or play for the Kitchener Rangers, the OHL team that holds his junior rights is unknown, but wherever Bracco ends up, he will be a huge help to the team offensively.
NHL ETA: 2018-19
Like other prospects, Bracco will likely be given the next three or four seasons to bulk up in weight and size to prepare for the NHL level and continue to develop his game. Whether Bracco commits to Boston College or stays with the Kitchener Rangers for the next three years, he will likely spend those years developing his game and then playing for the Marlies for a year under new head coach Sheldon Keefe.
Player Comparable: Johnny Gaudreau
This is a good name to be compared to, isn't it? The 5'9, 150lb winger recorded 64 points in 80 games in his first year in the NHL, and much like the Leafs plan to do with Bracco, he stayed with Boston College for three years since being drafted. Both are small yet talented wingers and both carry an elite playmaking ability.
Potential Ceiling: Top six winger
As of now, it's hard to tell how Bracco will pan out at the NHL level, but if he's developed right and grows in terms of weight and size, he will likely feature on the top two lines in the future. He carries an elite offensive game and is useful on the powerplay as well as even strength, and could definitely help the Leafs when help is needed.
What do you think, Leafs fans? Are you happy with the selection of Bracco? Let me know in the comments.
Kid always delivers and he can play with anyone. Seen him in many tournaments in Canada and he is always one of the best players on the ice. Will prove in a few years that he belonged in the first round of the draft.
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