Leafs head scout Dave Morrison singles out five rising prospects in the Maple Leafs' system.
In many ways this is a make-or-break season for the current Toronto Maple Leafs regime.
It's hard to imagine the organization keeping the status quo if the Leafs miss the playoffs yet again. Then again, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment has not exactly made those at the top accountable for past failures, so who knows?
In any event, when it comes to the Leafs, who have not been to the playoffs since 2003-04, it will be mostly up to the veterans to try to get the organization back to the dance. General manager Brian Burke has compiled an experienced blueline to go with a group of forwards that will make it awfully difficult for a kid to crack.
For Dave Morrison, the team's head scout, this is the time of year when he gets to see the kids he's scouted, drafted or had a hand in acquiring through trade. Morrison will get a chance to see many of the Leafs prospects in action against rookies from the Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks when the four teams hook up in a tournament in Oshawa on Sept. 10, 11 and 13.
Here are a few of the Leafs prospects Morrison believes will make a serious stab at playing in the NHL very soon:
Matt Frattin, RW: The Edmonton native had his problems early in his college career at North Dakota, but matured nicely into a solid prospect for the Leafs. Last season, Frattin scored 36 goals and 60 points in 44 games and was one of the three finalists for the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey's top performer. He was rewarded with his first NHL game last season with Toronto. At 6-feet and 200 pounds, Frattin often plays bigger than his size.
Scout's take: "He has offensive ability and a very strong shot," Morrison said. "He plays the game very hard. He drives the net, finishes his checks and drives through people." Frattin was the 99th overall pick in 2007.
Jesse Blacker, D: "Jesse took his game to the next level last season," Morrison said. "He really worked hard on his game and it showed." Blacker, who is 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, had 10 goals and 54 points in 62 games with Owen Sound of the Ontario Hockey League last season.
Scout's take: "He really learned a lot about playing his position last year," Morrison continued. "His game matured. He has unbelievable speed and energy, but he needed to be groomed. The one thing that really stands out about him is how tenacious he is defensively. You don't hear that said about players often, but he really plays hard in his own end to win battles."
Jake Gardiner, D: The 17th overall pick by the Anaheim Ducks in 2007 joined the American Hockey League's Toronto Marlies for 10 games last year after scoring 10 goals and 41 points in 41 games with the University of Wisconsin. Gardiner, who joined the Maple Leafs along with veteran winger Joffrey Lupul and a conditional fourth-round pick in 2013 for defenceman Francois Beauchemin last season, is 6-foot-2 and 193 pounds and helped Team USA win the gold medal at the World Junior Championship in 2010.
Scout's take: "He's got great feet -- a fantastic skater," Morrison said. "He's one of these kids who we believe will contribute on offence, but we're just not certain right now how much."
Jerry D'Amigo, RW: The Binghamton, NY, native split last season between the Marlies in the AHL and the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL. The 20-year-old was clearly in over his head with the Marlies, but found his game when he joined the junior team and finished with 12 goals and 28 points in 21 games with Kitchener. The Leafs anticipate D'Amigo will ultimately be an energy third-liner who chips in on offence.
Scout's take: "He wasn't as ready as he and we thought he was for pro," Morrison said. "When Jerry is playing his best, his feet are always moving. He's actually a little reckless. Even when he gets hit, his feet just keep moving. He has skill and tenacity."
Stuart Percy, D: After picking rugged right winger Tyler Biggs with the 22nd overall pick, the Maple Leafs came back with 6-foot-1, 186-pound skilled defenceman Percy with the 25th overall selection. Percy had four goals and 33 points in 64 games with St. Michael's of the OHL last season and spent some time manning the point on the power play.
Scout's take: "He's not overly physical, but he's a very intelligent defenceman," Morrison said. "He makes a great first pass," Morrison said. "He just needs to work on his strength."
