The future. The most talked about time among Leafs fans. This year, despite their recent success, the Leafs aren't expected to do anything besides sell at the deadline and finish the season with high hopes of a good draft pick. That being said, next year could potentially look to have a brighter turnout for the Leafs and their fans, with top prospects having a higher chance to make the big club. With that, I present to you my three picks of prospects who I believe are going to get their chance next season.
1. William Nylander, C/RW
Wow. Not much else needs to be said about Will Ny the Hockey Guy. The 8th overall pick in 2014 started his first season since being drafted with MODO, his former Swedish Club, and halfway through the season he left and joined the Leafs affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. The Canadian born Swede is now tearing up the AHL in his second season, registering 19 points in 14 games as a 19 year old. The coaches believe he is NHL ready, but want to let him tear up the AHL for one final year as well as work on his defensive and physical side of the game. He has serious potential to crack the lineup next year.
2. Mitch Marner, C/RW
In my opinion, Marner isn't as NHL ready as Nylander, but I strongly believe that sending him back to junior would be a mistake. He is currently producing at a two point per game pace for the OHL's London Knights right now with 32 points in 16 games, so sending him back again next year wouldn't help his development at all. Unfortunately, due to the CHL/AHL agreement, Marner is not eligible to play for the Marlies until he turns 20, so letting him play for the Leafs would be a much better option.
3. Josh Leivo, LW
Nobody on the Marlies has outwaited his chance at a full time NHL role than this guy. The former 3rd round pick in 2011 didn't have a great season for the Marlies last year, recording only 32 points in 51 games for the Baby Leafs, but he's been one of their top producers this season with 14 points in 13 games. He has a good defensive game as well as a pretty good offensive game, and he's showed strides of a good NHL player in his total 16 games with the big club, so he could very well see himself playing for the Leafs full time next year.
Thanks for reading.
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