David Broll - The Bulldozer

Age:19
Position:Left Wing
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 216lbs
Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2011, 6th Round 152nd Overall Pick.
Currently playing with Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds(OHL)

The Summary
David Broll plays a mean game.  He battles hard, competes, and plays a very physical game, fully utilizing his size. When he hits, he hits hard, and the other teams fear him. He can handle the puck pretty well, but his skating needs improvement.  He has been a physical force in the OHL and has shown that he can play a solid two-way game.

The Now
David Broll completed his second season with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and he registered 59 games, 8 goals, 25 assists, and 33 points.  He hasn't been able to score much goals, but has displayed his ability to share the puck and make plays.  The parts that he is noticeable is the penalty minutes as he registered 81 minutes this past season.

The Coming Soon
David Broll has the size to be a solid third or fourth line player in the future.  He will need to work on his skating to be able to compete at the pro level.  David's physicality and compete level can benefit any team he plays for as he can help provide the team with a spark and makes himself an intimidating force to all his opponents.

Jussi Rynnas - The Depth Goalie

Age: 24
Position: Goalie
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 205lbs
Signed as a Free Agent by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2010.
Currently playing with Toronto Marlies (AHL)

The Summary
Jussi Rynnas is a really big goalie at 6'5".  He is very quick but is sometimes is too aggressive and gets out of position.  A free agent signing by Brian Burke, Jussi Rynnas is 4th on the Leafs depth chart behind Ben Scrivens.

The Now
Jussi Rynnas spent the past year playing between the Toronto Marlies of the AHL and the Reading Royals of the ECHL.  He was beat out by Ben Scrivens in the Marlies and was sent down to get some playing time with the Reading Royals.  Late in the season, Jussi was called up for 2 games with the Leafs due to injuries, but he was unable to register a win. 

The Coming Soon
Jussi Rynnas has the size to fill up the net and the quickness to maneuver around the crease.  He needs to develop his game some more and play more positionally sound.  Jussi is a solid depth goalie who has the tools to be successful.  He just needs time to develop and adjust his game.

Stuart Percy - The Solid and Reliable

Age:18
Position: Defenceman
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 187lbs
Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2010, 1st Round 25th Overall Pick.
Currently playing with Mississauga St. Michael's Majors(OHL)



The Summary

Stuart Percy is a solid two-way defenceman.  He can chip in offensively and he can shut down the opposing teams best players.  Throughout his junior career, Stuart has been put into many situations in the game and has established himself as a really reliable defender for his teams.  Last season, he helped lead the Mississauga St. Micahel's Majors to the OHL Championship Series. 

The Now
Stuart Percy had a shortened season this year with concussion problems, but he was able to register 25 points in 34 games.  He is one of the leaders on the Mississauga St. Michaels Majors and he has been developing his all around game and building up strength for the pros.  As a member of the Majors, Stuart has been gaining a lot of exposure to all kinds of situations and he is shows good composure and calmness in his game. 

The Coming Soon
Stuart Percy is projected to be a very solid and reliable 2nd pairing defender in the NHL.  He has a complete game where he can play offensively and move the puck around and he can sit back and shut down the opposing team. Stuart will need some more time to develop his overall game and build up strength to adjust to the NHL.  There is no rush for Stuart as he is still young and can play another season in the OHL, where he will be a key member of the team. 

Tyler Biggs - The Power Forward

Age:18
Position: Right Wing
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 210 lbs
Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2010, 1st Round 22nd Overall Pick.
Currently playing with Miami RedHawks (NCAA)

The Summary

Tyler Biggs is a power forward.  He works hard every shift and isn't afraid to throw his weight around.  He uses his size and body very well and he has some offensive potential.  He provides his team with a big body presence in front of the net and he forechecks hard and delivers punishing hits and intimidation. Tyler competes hard, stands up for his teammates and provides his team with a physical force and intimidation. 

The Now
Tyler Biggs is completing his first season in the NCAA with the Miami RedHawks.  He played 37 games, 9 goals, 8 assists and a total of 17 points.  The numbers aren't the greatest, but it is his first season so there is room for him to adapt and improve in the next few years. He is still developing, getting bigger, working on his offensive skills and his speed and footwork. 

The Coming Soon

Tyler Biggs has the makings of a very effective power forward.  He competes hard, uses his body effectively, sticks up for his teammates, and hates losing puck battles.  He is the type of player that the Toronto Maple Leafs are missing right now.  He will need more time to develop though as he needs to refine his skills and adapt to the speed of the NHL. If Tyler develops well and has a lot of success in the NCAA and is able to translate it to the AHL and NHL, then he can be a top 6 player in the NHL. He will need to improve his offensive skills in order to sustain a spot in the top 6.  If he struggles to produce numbers in the pro leagues, then he could still be a very effective bottom 6 player that can provide the team with a spark and a big body presence.

Brad Ross - The Super Pest

Age:19
Position: Left Wing
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 183lbs
Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2010, 2nd Round 43rd Overall Pick.
Currently playing with Portland Winterhawks(WHL)

The Summary

Brad Ross is simply a super pest.  He plays with energy, grit and aggression and combines it with offensive skills.  He is a really tough player to play against because he gets in opposing players faces and is not afraid to drop the gloves with anyone.  He is really good at getting under the skin of opposing players and if that's not enough, he'll score a goal or two to frustrate them some more. Brad Ross is a heart and soul player who puts in 110% every shift and does whats necessary to get his team going and for his size he plays a lot bigger than his size.  Brad Ross signed an Entry Level Contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs two days ago and he may join the Toronto Marlies as soon as this month if his WHL team is eliminated from Playoffs.

The Now
Brad Ross has been playing in the WHL with the Portland Winterhawks since he was drafted by the Leafs and he has been improving offensively each year.  This season he has tallied 42 goals, 40 assists, 82 points and 163 penalty minutes in 68 games played.  With the Winterhawks, he has been playing with the skilled players because he can open up the ice and provide space for those players and he and his line mates have been very successful. 

The Coming Soon

Brad Ross will most likely be competing for a spot with the Toronto Marlies next year.  If he impresses Leafs management during training camp next year, he may get a shot at the third or fourth line with the Leafs.  I think if Brad can impress Leafs management next year, he will be a valuable asset to this team because he can provide energy, skill, and grit which the Leafs seem to be lacking. Brad Ross will need to bulk up a little more to be able to play his type of style in the NHL so it may be a couple more years before we see Brad Ross secure a permanent spot on the Leafs roster.  Brad Ross is projected to be a third or fourth line energy player with some skill.  He plays a similar style to Darcy Tucker.  I believe that once Brad has earned a permanent spot on the Leafs roster, he will be a fan favourite because of the energy, grit and skill he brings to the game.

Greg Mckegg - The Natural Scorer

Age:19
Position: Centre
Height: 6'0
Weight: 191lbs
Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2010, 3rd Round 62nd Overall Pick.
Currently playing with London Knights(OHL)

The Summary

Greg Mckegg was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2010.  He has been developing in the CHL for the past 4 years, most of which were spent with the Erie Otters and recently the London Knights.  He is a dynamic offensive player who can naturally score goals and has quick hands to maneuver in tight areas.  He is not very physical but is not afraid to get into the dirty areas and he is defensively sound forward who works hard to back check and support the defense. Greg is an interesting Leafs prospect as he was drafted in the third round and is developing into a successful offensive player and his chances of making the Leafs roster appears to be closer to reality. 

The Now
Greg Mckegg is in his fourth season developing in the OHL.  He was captain of the lowly Erie Otters and was recently traded to one of the league's best, the London Knights.  The London Knights are a highly skilled team and this proves to be a great opportunity for Greg to take his game to the next level by being around better skilled players. So far, it appears he has had a lot of success with his new team as he has registered 19 goals, 22 assists, 41 points in 28 games.  In comparison, this season with the Otters, he registered 12 goals, 22 assists, 34 points in 35 games. Gregg appears to be in a very successful environment now and this shows positive signs in his development. 

The Coming Soon

Greg Mckegg looks to be in his last season in the OHL and with his continued success, next year he may be part of the Toronto Marlies.  He will need to get stronger and adjust to faster game pace and bigger bodies as he makes his transition to the pros. He should provide the Marlies with an upgrade offensively and give them some offensive spark with his natural goal scoring abilities.  Greg has the tools to be a solid third line centre for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the next few years as he is able to provide a solid defensive game and also contribute offensively as well. 

Korbinian Holzer

Age: 24
Position: Defenseman
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 205lbs
Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2006, 4th Round 111th Overall Pick.
Currently playing with Toronto Marlies (AHL)

The Summary
Korbinian Holzer is a solid two-way defenseman.  He has the size to complement his physical play and he is quite mobile.  He is a really reliable player as he has excellent defensive awareness and is willing to block shots. Not only can he play solid defense, he can also contribute offensively, as he has shown in international play as he was able to register 6 goals, and 16 assists with team German at the Vancouver winter Olympics. 

The Now
Korbinian Holzer is in his second season with the Toronto Marlies and throughout the two years, he has been called up with the Leafs a few times, but due to the depth of the Leafs defense, his stay was not permanent.  This year he has played a significant role with the Toronto Marlies and has played 53 games, registering 1 goal and 16 assists with a +5.  He has been slowly developing in Germany and now in the AHL, and there are signs that the Toronto Maple Leafs are about to give him a big opportunity with the big club very soon because the Leafs recently traded a similar player in Keith Aulie at the trade deadline. 

The Coming Soon
Korbinian Holzer has shown that he can compete in the AHL and his play has persuaded Leafs management to give him an opportunity in the NHL.  With the recent collapse of the Toronto Maple Leafs, it may force Brian Burke to make some adjustments to the team and I believe that Korbinian Holzer will be one of the new additions to the Leafs next season.  His combination of size, physicality, defensive awareness, and mobility provides the Leafs with another potentially reliable defenseman who can contribute in all zones.  He has shown great results in his development and the NHL is the next step for him and I believe that he will make a solid third pairing defenseman for the Leafs.

Ben Scrivens

Age: 25
Position: Goalie
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 192lbs
Signed as a Free Agent by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2010.
Currently playing with Toronto Marlies (AHL)

The Summary
Ben Scrivens was free agent signing by the Leafs in 2010.  He played for Cornell in the NCAA and won the NCAA Championship with them along with being named the NCAA Goaltender of the Year.  Ben has really good size at 6'2" and he plays a very simple and calm game. He always seems to be in the right position which makes his saves look really easy.  Part of this is also due to his quickness which allows him to move side to side at ease. 

The Now
Ben Scrivens is in his second year with the Toronto Marlies and has been developing very well into the pro game.  He has been given starting role duties for most of the year and has been able to show signs of improvement and flashes of potential.  Earlier this year when James Reimer was injured with the Leafs, Ben was called up and played 8 games.  He had a record of 2 wins, 4 losses, 1 over time loss, with a save percentage of .904. In the games where he played well, he showed a calmness in net that excited fans, boosted his teammates confidence, and frustrated the opposing teams. However, after a couple of games the speed and accuracy of NHL's stars were able to solve him and he was eventually sent down to the AHL for more development. 

The Coming Soon
Behind James Reimer and Jonas Gustavsson, Ben Scrivens is the next goalie in line for the Toronto Maple Leafs.  Out of all the Leafs goalie prospects, Ben Scrivens is most closest to being NHL ready.  He still has to take some time to develop and adapt to the pro game, but he has showed signs that indicate that he can potentially be a starting goalie in the NHL. There are no indications that Ben will play in the NHL next year, but with a couple more years of development, he can potentially make an impact in the NHL as one of those late bloomer goalies that reach the NHL in their late 20s or early 30s, such as Tim Thomas.

Jesse Blacker

Age: 20
Position: Defense
Height: 6'1
Weight: 190lbs
Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2009, 2nd Round 58th Overall Pick.
Currently playing with Toronto Marlies (AHL)

The Summary
Jesse Blacker is a solid defenseman who is positionally sound and has great offensive instincts.  He is a very strong skater and he likes to rush the puck up the ice. I was at the Marlies game last Friday and I witnessed Jesse scoring his first goal in the AHL.  He used his skating ability and speed to get up the ice and fired an accurate wrister past the goalie.  Overall, he is an all around reliable and solid defenseman who can contribute both defensively and offensively.  He is also mobile and willing to throw hits around. 

The Now
Jesse Blacker is in his first full season in the AHL with the Marlies. At training camp, Jesse made a big case for himself by showing Leafs management his skating ability and intelligence with puck.  He caught the attention of Leafs management along with another rookie, Jake Gardiner, who has remained with the Leafs all season. He is slowly adjusting to the pro game after playing 4 years in the OHL.  Jesse has played in 46 games this season and has 1 goal and 13 assists.  His point totals are considered low compared to the success he had in the last season of the OHL with 54 points in 62 games.  Throughout the season, Jesse's been adjusting to the speed and the size of the players in the AHL and he is steadily developing and gaining more confidence. 

The Coming Soon
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a strong pool of defensive prospects and Jesse Blacker is one of the top 3.  He will take some time to develop and get stronger in the AHL but it shouldn't be too long before we see him with the Leafs.  He fits in perfectly with the Leafs playing style right now which is speed, speed and more speed. The Leafs blue line is looking really good in the next couple of years, with a good mix of speed, size and grit.  Jesse Blacker has the potential to be a top 4 defender for the Leafs in the next 3 or 4 years and he will definitely be quartering the power play. 

Matt Frattin

Age: 24
Position: Right Wing
Height: 6'0
Weight: 200lbs
Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2007, 4th Round 99th Overall Pick.
Currently playing with Toronto Marlies (AHL)

The Summary
Matt Frattin is a strong two-way player who is offensively talented and defensively sound.  He is not afraid to battle in the corners and for his size, he can surprisingly lay some big hits.  His biggest strengths are his quick and hard shot and also his strong skating abilities.  Overall, he is a well rounded player that can contribute in all zones of the ice.

The Now
This season, Matt Frattin was given an opportunity to play with the Toronto Maple Leafs after he completed his time in the NCAA with North Dakota.  He showed flashes of his potential but was not able to make a big impact on the Leafs roster.  In 37 games with the Leafs this season, he was only able to register 10 points.  Matt was later assigned to the Toronto Marlies in order for him to get more playing time and to gain confidence and adjust to the professional level.

The Coming Soon
Matt Frattin is a young and promising prospect for the Leafs.  He is quickly developing into a solid 2nd or 3rd line winger.  If he reaches his potential, he will be able to provide the Leafs with consistent secondary scoring and also an improved puck possession game with his ability to get in the dirty areas and battle for the puck.  Drafted in the 4th round in 2007, Matt Frattin has come a long way in his development and with the extra ice time he is getting with the Marlies, he will be knocking on the Leafs doors once again and will more than likely make a huge impact on the Leafs roster next year. 

Joe Colborne

Age: 22
Position: Centre
Height: 6'5
Weight: 213lbs
Drafted by Boston Bruins in 2008, 1st Round 16th Overall Pick.
Acquired from Boston via Trade
Currently playing with Toronto Marlies (AHL)


Joe Colborne is a big center that can make plays and score goals.  He makes smart passes and isn't afraid to take the puck into traffic.  He also has a good shot and knows how to use his body to protect the puck. With his size and skill set, he is the type of player that the Leafs have been missing since the departure of Mats Sundin. 


Joe, playing in his 4th year in the AHL, is having a great season.  In October, he was named AHL player of the month with 16 points in nine games.  He currently is having his best season in the AHL with 31 points in 36 games. The Toronto Marlies are giving him a great opportunity to play in all types of situations and allowing him to gain confidence and improve his play.  A noticeable improvement to Joe's game is his improved skating.  For his size, he can skate pretty fast. 


Joe Colborne has played a few games with the Maple Leafs this season, but was not able to show the same success that he has had with the Marlies.  He will need some more time in the minors to develop his all around game and to get stronger and faster in order to play in the NHL.  With the great season he is having this year, it looks like Joe Colborne will be ready for the Leafs by next year.  A big playmaking center is exactly the type of player the Leafs need right now so there is a big opportunity for him to earn a spot and make an impact with the Leafs very soon.  

Nazem Kadri

Age: 21
Position: Centre/Winger
Height: 6'0
Weight: 188lbs
Drafted by Toronto Maple Leafs in 2009, 1st Round 7th Overall Pick.
Currently playing with Toronto Marlies (AHL)

Of all the Leafs prospects in the system, Nazem Kadri is most ready for the NHL. He is by far, one of the most skilled players the Leafs have had in their system in a very long time. Nazem possess high playmaking skills allowing him to make creative plays with slick and accurate passes.  Not only can he make passes, he can also score goals too, as his stick handling skills are top notch and he possess an accurate wrist shot as well. Nazem Kadri is also known for playing on an edge by playing physical and agitating his opponents by getting under their skin.  His skill combination with physical edge makes him a dangerous threat for opponents each night.

He has made short stints in the NHL over the past two seasons, but has not been able to stick with the team. One of the main reasons why Nazem has not been able to earn a permanent roster spot in the Leafs line up is because of his defensive play and he has not adjusted well to the NHL yet.  Over the past 2 seasons, he has been working to improve his defensive play and to not cause any turnovers that would hurt his team.  It has been one of his weak points since his junior days and it is very evident when you watch him play in the NHL.  Working with the coaching staff with the Toronto Marlies, has helped Nazem Kadri strengthen his weakness and evident by his recently play with the Leafs, he has developed a better awareness defensively and has learned to make smarter plays to minimize turnovers.

With his skill, creativity, and physical edge, Nazem Kadri has potential to develop into an important piece of the Toronto Maple Leafs. There are glaring weaknesses to his play that is currently being worked on but once Nazem can put everything together, he will be very successful in the NHL.  The pressure is on him to prove to Leafs fans and Leafs management why he was drafted 7th overall in 2009, but I believe he has the confidence, attitude and skills to accept the challenge and succeed.  Toronto Maple Leafs fans have been looking forward to Nazem to develop into a high impact player for the Leafs since his draft day and that day looks to come very soon based on his recent play in the NHL.