Every month throughout the NHL season we’ll be updating you on the development of key Toronto Maple Leafs prospects with up-to-date stats, videos, analysis and scouting reports.
Connor Brown wasn’t expected to play a lead role for the Toronto Marlies this season, but that’s exactly what he’s done in his first pro campaign.
Brown, who leads Toronto in scoring, has been a bright spot on a Marlies team that ranks dead last in the AHL in offence.
He was rewarded earlier this week by being named the Marlies’ lone representative to the AHL All-Star Classic, while also earning rookie of the month honours for December after registering five goals and 12 points in 14 games.
Although unexpected, it’s not all that surprising the 20-year-old has produced at the next level after leading the OHL in scoring last season with 128 points.
But it’s not just his deft touch around the net that has garnered praise from his head coach.
“He’s leading our team in scoring but it’s not always the offensive side. He’s diligent at both ends of the rink,” Marlies coach Gord Dineen told reporter Kyle Cicerella in December.
“He comes engaged every day. If there’s a critique with him, he sometimes tries to do too much. Sometimes when the team’s struggling he’s out there trying to make a difference and maybe plays outside himself. But he’s real professional and I’ll take 20 of those guys every night.”
Here’s a deeper look at what Brown’s done to date, along with some of his Marlies teammates.
Connor Brown: RW, Toronto Marlies (AHL), No. 29
Drafted: Sixth round, 156th overall, 2012
Season to date: 35 GP | 9G | 19A | 28P | +6
Brown’s 28 points this season are 11 more than Toronto’s second leading scorer and place him second behind Canadiens prospect Charles Hudon in rookie scoring.
He is currently on pace for 19 goals and 60 points over a full season, which would put him in some good company.
But what’s been most impressive about Brown’s rookie year has been his consistency; the Etobicoke native has not gone more than two games without a point all season.
Here’s a look at some of his handy work from a game against St. John’s in mid-December, in which he scored two slick goals and led all players with eight shots:
Toronto timeline:There’s always pressure in Toronto to rush prospects to the NHL, but the Leafs seem to be playing it smart with Brown.
Sam Carrick: C, Toronto Marlies (AHL), No. 16
Drafted: Fifth round, 144th overall, 2010
Season to date: 31 GP | 3G | 13A | 16P | -7
Although not known for his offensive prowess Carrick was the top-scoring Marlie in December, finishing the month with three goals and 14 points in 14 games.
The former Brampton Battalion captain hasn’t been given much of a chance to showcase his skill set in six NHL games this year, averaging a shade over five minutes of ice time, but he has responded well to increased responsibility with the Marlies.
There’s a lot to like in his game — he’s a tenacious forechecker who finishes his checks and can chip in offensively — even if he has a limited offensive ceiling.
He also wins points for this quality tweet.
Toronto timeline: He will be in the running for full-time fourth-line centre duty by next season, if not sooner.
Antoine Bibeau: G, Toronto Marlies (AHL), No. 1
Drafted: Sixth round, 172nd overall, 2013
Season to date: 14 GP (6-6-3) | 2.71 GAA | .911 SV% | 3 SO
Bibeau emerged as a legitimate prospect last season after leading Val-d’Or to within a game of the MasterCard Memorial Cup final, and he’s progressed nicely in his first season as a pro.
He followed up a rough November with a stellar December, going 4-1-1 with a 2.27 GAA, .927 save percentage and two shutouts, including a ridiculous four-game win streak where he posted two shutouts and a .967 save percentage.
At 20 years of age he’s still got a long ways to go, but the early signs are promising.
Toronto timeline:The complex nature of the position and limited jobs available makes it difficult to project a goaltender’s trajectory, especially one with such limited pro experience like Bibeau. He’s further along than most expected.
Players of Note
Josh Leivo: Has been out with an upper-body since Dec. 12. Five points in five December games brought his season total up to 10 (three goals) in 15 games.
Stuart Percy: Had three points in nine December games before suffering a concussion Dec. 21 – his only points in 15 games on the season. The Marlies will need more from the talented defenceman when he returns to the lineup this weekend.
Tyler Biggs: Biggs has produced little to no offence this season with only two goals and three points in 28 games in the AHL. Not a good look for the 2011 first-round pick.
Victor Loov: Leads all Marlies defencemen with 10 points. Adjusting well to North American game after a strong showing in training camp with the Leafs.
Greg McKegg: McKegg is scoring at a slower pace than last season (0.65 PPG versus 0.72 PPG), but that number should go up if he and his teammates can stay healthy. He had three assists in six games in December while missing some time due to injury.
Ryan Rupert: Rupert had a productive month with three goals and seven points in 14 games. The former London Knight is up to 10 points in 17 games on the season after scoring 14 points in 17 games in the ECHL before being recalled.
Matt Finn: Only played two games (no points) last month after being sent to the ECHL in mid-December. He has struggled in his first year as a pro, but he hasn’t played much either on a deep Marlies blueline. Growing pains are common for young defencemen.