NOTE: Scratched players are in ECHL but are eligible for Playoffs. LTIR players are in NHL but also eligible. IR players are hurt, and I don't really have any updates on them for this edition.
FEEL FREE TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT PROSPECTS!
WIth the end of the KHL, NCAA, and SHL seasons starting now, it's time for prospects to sign ELCS and ATOs (Amateur Try-outs, used to allow players to play in the AHL without sacrificing a year of their contract, or allow them to sign AHL contracts instead of NHL ones). So, who did the Leafs/Marlies get? Lets take a look:
Joe Duszak, 21, RD NCAA - Mercyhurst (16-31-47 in 37 games)
One of the top senior defenceman in the NCAA this year, Duszak won best defenceman and player of the year in the AHA this year. He was never drafted but signed an ELC with the Leafs a few weeks ago. He is small, but has seriously good skating. I would expect him to come in and out of the 3RD spot behind Lilly and Loverde.
Eemeli Rasanen, 20, RD, KHL - Jokerit (1-2-3 in 12 games)
One of the top "big man" defencemen in the OHL prior to this year, Rasanen moved to the KHL to play with Finnish team Jokerit, but struggled with injuries that limited his games. He looked decent tho, and had 35 points in both his OHL seasons in 2015-2017. Expect him to add defensive skill and size, likely not playing too many games because of the injury risk.
Ryan MacGregor, 20, C, OHL - Sarnia Sting (C) (25-52-77 in 61 games)
A 6th round pick a few years ago, it is not a surprise that McGregor signed an ATO because his ELC must be signed this year for the Leafs to retain his rights. They are likely going to do so, given his strong campaign this year, but it is unlikely that he has much NHL potential. He will play some minutes with Marlies, and may find himself on the team next year if he manages to beat out the tough competition from ECHL.
Colt Conrad, 21, C, NCAA - West Michigan (11-27-38 in 37 games)
Conrad had a breakout season this year as the assistant captain at West Mich. He recorded a point per game in his last two seasons, but was unable to reach an NHL ELC. As a result, he signed an ATO with the Marlies, and will sign a 2 year AHL level contract next season. He will likely play a 3 center role, especially with Greening out with an injury, and so far has looked good. I'd expect more games in the AHL than ECHL next year.
Zachary Bouthillier, 19, G, QMJHL - Saint John Sea Dogs (4.1 GAA, .885 SVP in 40 games)
Likely to head back to the QMJHL for one more year next year, Bouthillier had some decent numbers this year with a horrible team in Saint john, who finished second last in the league. Bouthillier was a 7th round selection last year for the Leafs, and is not projected for any sort of NHL role anytime soon. He will likely play for the Growlers in the ECHL, as finding a spot to play for the Marlies down this stretch is going to be extremely hard.
Trey Bradley, 22, LW, NCAA - Colorado College (15-19-34 in 41 games)
Decent numbers in the NCAA this year and last year suggest that this undersized player (Only 150 pounds!) may have some AHL potential, although it is going to be very difficult for him to get any ice time given the large amount of players being signed.
Alex Basso, 25, RD, USports - Ryerson University (7-30-37 in 28 games)
An overager to say the least, Basso has completed his schooling at Ryerson and has signed an ATO with the Marlies. He is a decent sized defender with some offensive upside, though achieving a point-per-game in the USports league is not difficult. He has no potential in terms of being a meaningful player, but he could provide some nice depth and fit into the situation next year if he decides to stay with the Growlers/Marlies.
Erik Brown, 23, LW, NCAA - R.I.T. (18-11-29 in 37 games)
Another overaged college player, Brown is likely going to the ECHL unless he really impresses. He's not anything special on offence, but is 6'2" and plays a good physical game.
NEWS:
ROSEN IS BACK!!!!
But he's with the Leafs...
This could signal a demotion for Marty Marincin when Gardiner comes back, and it is likely the Marlies will be getting one of their top dmen back soon, either Rosen or Marty.
Borgman is not... with the Leafs! He's back, and will suit up in normal lines.
Gabriel Gagne was demoted to the ECHL for the playoffs, a disappointing ending to his very disappointing season. He needs to do really well there if he expects to beat out all of the new signings, especially with the PO roster being finalized soon.
Sam Jardine was also demoted, interesting considering Kristians Rubins remains with the team. The large defensive defenceman has seemed to steal a spot on the third pair, although it is likely going to be taken by Rasanen or another ELC player.
SEMYON IS COMING HOME! That's right, SDA himself will be coming from the OHL to play with the Marlies, having had his season end last week. He will likely slide into the lineup, but may have a hard time getting a major role given the limited tryout because of the Playoff run.
Rubins - Rasanen might be the scariest line i've ever seen. Two 6'4" gigantors with a knack for hitting, and some seriously promising abilities. Rubins has been an awesome surprise, and looks very smart out there, both on defence and even on offence.
As always thanks for the update. I doubt if some the "newbies" ever see the as Marlies this year They are hanging around the pro atmosphere and if by chance some injuries occur they might be playing time.
As always thanks for the update. I doubt if some the "newbies" ever see the as Marlies this year They are hanging around the pro atmosphere and if by chance some injuries occur they might be playing time.
100% true. Lots of guys here, especially the older NCAA ones, will probably go to the ECHL and post their PO roster. That being said, if the Marlies clinch a spot they may decide to test guys out rather than tiring out or injuring guys like Borgman and Mueller who have struggled with injuries.
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