The Toronto Maple Leafs have infamously not won the Stanley Cup in 46 seasons. The current roster trying to end that streak is relatively young. However, there are plenty of even younger prospects just waiting to make their mark in Leaf Land. These are the five best young prospects that Maple Leaf fans can look forward to seeing.
5. Petter Granberg
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
5. Petter Granberg
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Playing a smart, defensive-minded game, Granberg is rarely caught out of position. He uses his size to his advantage when containing the opposition and can provide a strong breakout pass. Granberg will continue his development with the Leafs’ AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies this season. Look for him to progress into one of the Leafs’ top shutdown defensemen in the future.
4. Connor Brown
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
4. Connor Brown
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
The OHL’s leading scorer last year, Brown collected 128 points with the Erie Otters last season. He is a highly skilled forward that combines great hands with great vision to produce offense. In his first season with the Marlies, Brown has three points in five games. Once he develops the foot speed to compete in the NHL, Brown may become one of the Leafs top scorers for years to come.
3. Matthew Finn
Getty Images
3. Matthew Finn
Getty Images
An offensive minded defenseman, Finn was second in points by a defenseman in the OHL with 61 points in 66 games for the Guelph Storm last season. Finn has outstanding leadership abilities and is capable of running an effective powerplay. Once he puts on some muscle and improves his defensive game, look for Finn to push to be one of the Leafs’ top defensemen.
2. Frederik Gauthier
Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
2. Frederik Gauthier
Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
At 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, Gauthier uses his size to play a strong two-way game. As a forward with the Rimouski Oceanic, Gauthier tallied 52 points in 54 games, possessing above average playmaking and passing abilities. He skates very well considering his size, and may be an ideal second line forward in the future for the Leafs.
1. William Nylander
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
1. William Nylander
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Leafs’ eighth overall pick in this June’s draft, Nylander has tremendous offensive upside. His skating is exceptional and he has the puck on a string when stick handling. Along with his great vision and passing, Nylander is an all-offense kind of guy. Once he puts on some size and continues to develop all aspects of his game, he may become one of the NHL’s top scorers in the future.
The current bad stretch of games for the Tampa Bay Lightning can be attributed to a lack of consistency, and coach Jon Cooper needs to ask for a solution this Christmas. Read More
The Boston Bruins are celebrating their trip to the Stanley Cup Finals 25 years ago this season. Here's a list of their best offensive forwards since that season. Read More
The Columbus Blue Jackets are coming on strong of late, but they sit 12th in the NHL Eastern Conference due in large part to their poor defending in the third period. Read More
With the Carolina Hurricanes well out of playoff contention, it is time for them to ask for some help at Christmas to set up their trade board and make roster decisions for the future. Read More
Now 11 weeks into the 2014-15 NHL season, pretenders and contenders are shaping up throughout the NHL, as teams are settling into their spots in the standings. Read More
The Edmonton Oilers have fallen on tough times. They own the worst record in the NHL and have lost 17 of their past 18 games. See why all they want for X-mas is a paltry win. Read More
Matt Stajan, Mason Raymond and Joe Colborne are all slumping in their return from injury. An increase in production would be a great holiday gift for the Flames. Read More
