Welcome to the final part of my four part monthly prospect updates. We've already covered the CHL, NCAA, and Europe, so today we'll look at the AHL's Toronto Marlies, where tons of prospects are showcasing their skill. Without further ado, let's get going.
Casey Bailey, C (Undrafted, signed as free agent in 2015)
When the Leafs brought in Bailey as a free agent standout from Penn State University, he was known as a big centre with a powerful shot and a hard worker. He's working hard, and has a decent amount of points with 8 in 15 appearences for the Marlies.
Antoine Bibeau, G (6th round, 172nd overall in 2013)
Bibeau has an attractive looking record in the AHL, going 6-3-0 in nine starts, but unfortunately his individual stats aren't looking great. He currently has a 3.64 GAA and a .869 save percentage. That being said, he's been solid for the Marlies.
Connor Brown, LW (6th round, 156th overall in 2012)
No update on Connor Brown to this date. He remains out indefinitely with a broken foot, but before the injury he had put up 4 points in 8 games.
Sam Carrick, C (5th round, 144th overall in 2010)
One of the most strictly defensive forwards on the Marlies this season. Taking on a defensive bottom six role, Carrick currently has 8 points in 21 appearences.
Frederik Gauthier, C (1st round, 21st overall in 2013)
The Leafs knew what they were getting when they snagged up Freddy the Goat in the first round of the 2013 draft. He has the potential to be one of the best defensive players in the NHL in the future. He currently has 10 points in 22 games for the AHL squad.
Zach Hyman, C/RW (5th round, 123rd overall in 2010 by Florida, acquired via trade)
Hyman has suited up nicely for the Marlies this season. He's currently producing at an average 0.5 PPG with 11 points in 22 games.
Kasperi Kapanen, RW (1st round, 22nd overall in 2014 by Pittsburgh, acquired via trade)
Kapanen made himself known among Leafs fans when he was the main piece coming back from Pittsburgh when they traded their beloved scorer in Phil Kessel. Kapanen currently has 9 points in 15 games for the Marlies.
Brendan Leipsic, LW (3rd round, 89th overall in 2013 by Nashville, acquired via trade)
Leipsic reminds Leafs fans very much of pests Brendan Gallagher and Brad Marchand, as well as former fan favourite Darcy Tucker, but he has a good offensive edge as well. He currently has a respectable 14 points in 23 games.
Josh Leivo, LW (3rd round, 86th overall in 2011)
Leivo continues to prove that he should be a full time NHLer at this point, supported by the fact that he has 21 points in 21 games, but he's being waited out in the minors to make sure he develops correctly due to the new process preached by Leafs management.
Viktor Loov, D (7th round, 209th overall in 2012)
The Sodertalje, Sweden native only has 6 points in 21 games for the Marlies, but don't let that distract you from the rest of his play. I had the opportunity to watch him live in a preseason game this year against Ottawa, and the one thing I noticed is his size doesnt interfere with his speed and skill. He has all the tools to become a solid NHL defenseman one day.
William Nylander, C/RW (1st round, 8th overall in 2014)
Generally when a prospect like Nylander goes on a hot streak, they cool down eventually. That's not the case for this guy. Free Willy has an AHL leading 29 points in 22 games, and he's doing all this as a 19 year old. He's NHL ready, but much like Leivo was left to develop for one more year. He is an insane player and without a doubt will be a Leaf this time next year.
Stuart Percy, D (1st round, 25th overall in 2011)
There is no part to Stuart Percy's game that will wow you, but he's consistent everywhere. He can play strong defensively while contributing offensively as well. He currently has a respectable 10 points in 21 games as a defenseman.
Ryan Rupert, LW (6th round, 157th overall in 2012)
Rupert had a solid campaign for the Marlies while he was here with 4 points in 8 games, but he has since been demoted to the ECHL's Orlando Solar Bears.
Nikita Soshnikov, RW (Undrafted, signed as free agent in 2015)
Soshnikov compares his game to fan favourite Leo Komarov, said in an interview the other day, but even though his assists haven't been there, his goals have. He's put up 7 goals and 10 points in 21 games for the Marlies.
Garret Sparks, G (7th round, 190th overall in 2011)
Yeah, I know, the All Spark is currently on the Leafs, but he's still considered a prospect and he spent most of this year with the Marlies so he gets an update anyway. He's put up an 8-2-0 record with a 1.90 GAA and a .938 save percentage with the Marlies, and currently has a 2-1-0 record with a shutout with the Leafs this season.
Thanks for reading. The next update for this series will come at the beginning of January.
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