3 Prospects Who Could Make the Leafs Out of Preseason

By Alex Hobson

Leafs training camp has rolled around after a long offseason, and teams are beginning to prepare for the NHL season. The Leafs preseason starts tomorrow with a split squad game against Ottawa, and though the Leafs have a pretty packed group of forwards who have good chances to make the team, preseason is known for surprises.

Last year, for example, players such as Matt Frattin and Petri Kontiola were expected to be mainstays for the roster, but in the end, prospects such as Stuart Percy and Brandon Kozun made the team after an impressive preseason and eliminated Frattin among other players. With that, I present to you the top three prospects most likely to surprise in preseason and make the roster out of camp.

1. William Nylander, C/RW
 


After Dave Nonis, Peter Horachek, and Steve Spott among others were fired, Leafs management preached a new era of patience when dealing with prospects. No more rushing to the NHL. Everybody expects the Leafs to keep players such as Nylander, Kasperi Kapanen, and Mitch Marner in minors for a year before calling them up, but Nylander could surprise people in camp. Mike Babcock has stated numerous times that if players play their hardest and show up, they'll have a chance at the NHL. Nylander had an amazing prospect tournament, recording 3 goals and 5 points over two games played, and he's also put on approximately 20 pounds of muscle since being drafted. He's worked hard, and could earn himself a spot if he performs during preseason.

2. Nikita Soshnikov, RW
 


Soshnikov is an interesting prospect. He was not drafted like the other players at the rookie tournament, but he was rather signed to an entry level deal in March after an impressive season in the KHL. He stated after being signed that he chose the Leafs because it would be easier for him to crack the roster. He was good in the rookie tournament, showing that he had the offensive ability for the NHL, and if he steps up in preseason and proves himself, he could see himself to a spot on the Leafs to start the year.

3. Zach Hyman, C/RW
 


Hyman was obtained by the Leafs in a June deal that saw him shipped along with a conditional 7th round pick for Greg McKegg. Hyman was originally drafted by the Panthers in 2010 as a 5th round pick, but chose not to sign with them because he wanted to play in the NHL and the Panthers couldn't give him at oppertunity, hence why he was traded. He is older than the other prospects and had a great season with the U of Michigan this past year, so if he impresses during camp, he could potentially crack the opening night roster.

Thanks for reading.