Three Youngsters Thriving Under Mike Babcock

By Alex Hobson

When you look at their record, the Leafs are off to an atrocious start. A record of 2-8-4 is absolutely nothing to be proud of. However, we've seen some bright spots throughout the year. For one, the team actually looks like they're playing in hopes of winning rather than giving 50% every game, and they've kept almost every game close so far this season, they just don't have enough top end players to do it (Nylander, Marner, and Kapanen among others will be up soon enough to fill that need). However, lots of the Leafs young players look like they're at home this season. Let's take a look at three youngsters thriving under Mike Babcock.

1. Jake Gardiner

Gardiner is one of those players who's biggest enemy is consistency. He can be a great player at times, and can be a force offensively, but he can also be the worst player on the ice at times. He clashed with former head coach Randy Carlyle during his time here, but Babcock seems to trust him enough to give him top line minutes alongside of Dion Phaneuf. He hasn't racked up the points so far, with only 2 points in 11 games, but he used to be a defensive liability, and has improved that game greatly. He has been played on the penalty kill and he can be trusted in the defensive zone. He still has time to find his offensive game.

2. Nazem Kadri

Kadri is essentially the forward version of Jake Gardiner. Oozes skill, but struggles with consistency and needs a coach that trusts him in order to perform. Kadri was given the #1 centre job he thought he deserved this season, and he's been performing very well. He only has 6 points in 14 games, but his defensive game has also improved, and he can really throw the body. He's a swift skater and if he keeps performing at the rate he is right now, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him score an extension this summer.

3. Morgan Rielly

What else can be said about Mo-Ri? He had a pretty good season last year, but man, is he stepping up. He is slowly developing into an elite defenseman. Currently leading the Leafs in points as a defenseman with 10 in 14 games, he's really showing that he can be a top end defenseman in the NHL some day. His defensive game is improving and he's turning into a solid all around defenseman. He can quarterback a powerplay and his skating ability is something special. He has all the tools to develop into a 60 point defenseman in the future.

Thanks for reading.