Maple Leafs December Prospect Update: Volume 1 – CHL Edition

By Alex Hobson

It's that time again. Here is the second edition of my monthly prospect updates. Today, we kick things off with our update on prospects in the CHL.

WHL

Andrew Nielsen, D, Lethbridge Hurricanes (3rd round, 65th overall in 2015)

When the Leafs drafted Nielsen last year, it was mainly for his defensive game. Nobody knew that Nielsen had some big offensive capability as well. He is currently the top scoring defenseman on the Hurricanes with 25 points in 26 games.

OHL

Jeremy Bracco, RW, Kitchener Rangers (2nd round, 61st overall in 2015)

The young American phenom made the transition from Boston College to the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL mid season. He's currently performing at his expected pace, with 16 points in 14 games.

Travis Dermott, D, Erie Otters (2nd round, 34th overall in 2015)   
The puck moving, smooth skating defenseman was taken for his solid two way game and ability to contribute in every area of the game, including hitting and blocking shots. He's currently having another solid offensive season, leading all defensemen in scoring on the Otters with 24 points in 26 games.

Stephen Desrocher, D, Oshawa Generals (6th round, 155th overall in 2015)

Desrocher, much like Nielsen was drafted by the Leafs for his defensive game. Yet, he's also having a solid offensive campgain for his new home, the Kingston Frontenacs, after being dealt there in November. He has 18 points in 26 game.

Nikita Korostelev, RW, Sarnia Sting (7th round, 185th overall in 2015)

Korostelev isn't quite producing at the rate he was last season, but still putting up solid numbers. the Moscow, Russia native currently has 16 points in 25 games for the Sting.

Mitch Marner, C, London Knights (1st round, 4th overall in 2015)
Marner is currently tearing it up in Knight's territory. Sporting different linemates ranging between fellow prospect J.J. Piccinich to projected 2016 top five pick Matthew Tkachuk, Marner has 47 points in 22 games, at over a 2 point per game pace. Expect him to be sporting a Leafs uniform this time next year.

J.J. Piccinich, RW, London Knights (4th round, 103rd overall in 2014)

The only Leafs OHL prospect taken in the 2014 draft, Piccinich is exceeding expectations in the Green and Gold, with 30 points in 22 games. Expect him to join the Toronto Marlies next season.

QMJHL

Cody Donaghey, D, Halifax Mooseheads (Undrafted, signed by Leafs in 2014)

When we first checked in with Cody Donaghey, he was off to a very slow start. He has since picked up his game, registering 9 points in 15 games for the Mooseheads with a +1.

Martins Dzierkals, LW, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (3rd round, 68th overall in 2015)

When Mark Hunter announced this kid's name at the 2015 NHL Draft, nobody knew who he was. Hunter called the young Latvian the potential sleeper of the draft, and now we know it's for good reason. Since transitioning from Russia to the QMJHL, Dzierkals has put up 30 points in 24 games for the Huskies.

Dmytro Timashov, LW, Quebec Remparts (5th round, 125th overall in 2015)

Wow. That's all that needs to be said about this kid. He was a projected third round pick, the Leafs took him in the fifth round. He currently has over an assist per game, with 30 assists and 45 points in 26 games. He is an unbelievable playmaker and has serious potential to be a top six forward in the NHL someday.

Thanks for reading.