If you are counting on Maple Leaf prospects to make the team playoff contenders next season - don't count on it. The top prospect in the system is likely Justin Pogge, the Leafs' first draft pick (90th overall) in 2004, who finished his first season as a pro for the Marlies with a 19-25-0-2 record. He struggled early on but did improve in the last two months. He will not be ready for the NHL next season.
After that it really drops off. The Marlies top scorer was Erik Westrum (23-34-57) but he is 27 which is the same age as Leaf "rookie" John Pohl. Robbie Earl also a first year pro with the Marlies and a 6th round pick (187th overall) in 2004, had a decent rookie year (16-19-35) but is not ready for the Leafs.
Some veterans are on the bubble with the organization – Staffan Kronwall and Alexander Suglobov (3-10-13) because they haven't developed to the level that would warrant investing more development into them. The only other prospects are potential 4th liners like Ben Ondrus and Kris Newbury. Defenseman Karel Pilar has recovered from his health problems that kept him out of hockey for nearly 3 years. He joined the Marlies in March after playing in Europe. He would like to attempt a comeback next season.
The junior draft picks are also nothing to get excited about either. Jiri Tlusty who was their first pick in 2006 (13th overall) and has a long way to go before he can threaten for a NHL job. He played with Sault Ste. Marie where he was only 13-21-35. The Leafs had no first round pick in 2003 and 2004. Their 2005 first round, Tuukka Rask was traded to the Bruins for Raycroft.
12 years ago
