Marlies Discussion: 12'/13' Marlies Part I|Looking Forward.

[Pi]

Holzer will be with the Leafs next year. Despite him struggling when he was called upon, I think he's still NHL material in a bottom pairing role.

We have Fraser/Franson for that role. I can't see him being much more than a depth guy for the Leafs.

Kostka is as good as gone. ROB will be gone too unless he and Liles can recreate some of that Colorado magic.

 

[KlattNazty]

There is a good chance Ranger will be with the big club next year

Lots of question marks, Blacker, Holzer, Riely, Ranger could all be in the mix for spots.

Next year incredibly difficult to peg roster wise for both teams.

 

[leafers]

Lots of question marks, Blacker, Holzer, Riely, Ranger could all be in the mix for spots.

Next year incredibly difficult to peg roster wise for both teams.

A good problem to have.

They are assets (not only the ones you mentioned, but our logjam on D) and a few of them will be moved most likely during offseason or start of next season to upgrade the team.

 

[KlattNazty]

A good problem to have.

They are assets (not only the ones you mentioned, but our logjam on D) and a few of them will be moved most likely during offseason or start of next season to upgrade the team.

I certainly hope so. I think the other key to look at, is many of the prospects hitting the AHL deserve time. This year, management could look guys like Crescenzi, Devane, Carrick, Ross etc in the face and say look, you gotta show us that you deserve to displace vets on this team.

Once the lockout ended, they did.

But Percy, Leivo, Biggs are guys that probably deserve the ice time and possess upside that will develop best against competition in the AHL. Not worth sending them to ECHL. So IMO, they will cut bait with a couple of the mediocre guys and have the prospects move in. Gysbers may go, I wouldnt be shocked to see Action leave too.

Not because they suck, because at the end of the day the AHL is a developmental league.

 

[Terrence]

Whats the injury and timeline?

Kyle Cicerella ‏@KyleTheReporter 28m

Eakins said Ashton is still a "couple weeks" from being able to play. Broken bone in foot is still an issue #Marlies

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Another great interview with Eakins


http://video.mapleleafs.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=446&id=237373&lang=en

 

[showtime8]

I certainly hope so. I think the other key to look at, is many of the prospects hitting the AHL deserve time. This year, management could look guys like Crescenzi, Devane, Carrick, Ross etc in the face and say look, you gotta show us that you deserve to displace vets on this team.

Once the lockout ended, they did.

But Percy, Leivo, Biggs are guys that probably deserve the ice time and possess upside that will develop best against competition in the AHL. Not worth sending them to ECHL. So IMO, they will cut bait with a couple of the mediocre guys and have the prospects move in. Gysbers may go, I wouldnt be shocked to see Action leave too.

Not because they suck, because at the end of the day the AHL is a developmental league.

Due to a simple numbers factor, I think Biggs and Rielly will join their respective junior clubs if they fail to make the Leafs out of camp next year.

They have room to improve at junior and get to learn slowly. The Leafs are finally learning how to develop players that they have drafted, similar to how the Detroit Red Wings bring along players.

Josh Leivo has the ability to play his overage year and with David Broll graduating from junior and the guys that you have mentioned (Cresz.,Ross, etc.) only getting half a year of development, I think that Leivo stays another year and you allow others to slowly grow.

The defence is an interesting story going into next year. With such a young rush of players coming in to play that include MacWilliam, Percy, Granberg... how are the Leafs going to deal with that? Each player brings a different skillset, so you would hope that you could keep them all. Tough decisions ahead.

 

[ULF_55]

Due to a simple numbers factor, I think Biggs and Rielly will join their respective junior clubs if they fail to make the Leafs out of camp next year.

They have room to improve at junior and get to learn slowly. The Leafs are finally learning how to develop players that they have drafted, similar to how the Detroit Red Wings bring along players.

Josh Leivo has the ability to play his overage year and with David Broll graduating from junior and the guys that you have mentioned (Cresz.,Ross, etc.) only getting half a year of development, I think that Leivo stays another year and you allow others to slowly grow.

The defence is an interesting story going into next year. With such a young rush of players coming in to play that include MacWilliam, Percy, Granberg... how are the Leafs going to deal with that? Each player brings a different skillset, so you would hope that you could keep them all. Tough decisions ahead.

Playing an overage year would not be a good idea.

They should be playing pro, so they can play with the Leafs, Marlies and other pro teams without problems.

If they go back for their overage year it likely means they aren't good prospects or they have serious flaws.

 

[Stringer Bell]

Playing an overage year would not be a good idea.

They should be playing pro, so they can play with the Leafs, Marlies and other pro teams without problems.

If they go back for their overage year it likely means they aren't good prospects or they have serious flaws.

Andrew MacWilliam
Jerry D'Amigo
Jamie Devane
Jesse Blacker
Kenny Ryan
Sam Carrick
Greg McKegg
Brad Ross
David Broll
Stuart Percy
Josh Leivo
Tyler Biggs
Andrew Crescenzi
Spencer Abbott
Joe Colborne
Carter Ashton

There will be a lot to watch next year for sure. And I agree, I don't like sending players down for an overage year. In fact, I think teams do that more to avoid a player teams no longer see as having much of a future using up a contract spot during the year. The exceptions being players like Devane who they see could really benefit from another year to find another part of their game, like offence. I see no problem with the ECHL, and I think it served Crescenzi, Carrick,and Devane fine this season.

I could see Crescenzi and Carrick spending maybe a bit more time in the ECHL next year, along with possibly Biggs, Leivo, and Broll depending on whether they have problems adapting right away. With Crescenzi and Carrick getting the first call.

 

[Stringer Bell]

Also, I just realized how much of a force the Marlies could be next year. They're already amazing this year, right? The only player with a major chance to make the team next year is Colborne. Even if he does, every one of the players listed above should see a healthy bump in skill level just based on development.

I would expect huge years from Ashton, Abbott, D'Amigo, and McKegg. Wouldn't surprise me either if Ryan and Ross played like top six players in the AHL next year. I also wouldn't be surprised to see Carrick bump up to the 10-15 goal range, with Devane and Crescenzi even in the 8-12 goal range.

Obviously this all won't happen based on Eakins system but seriously, with the youth of the team this year it would be pretty typical to see a healthy bump in development from these players, making the Marlies and extremely massive force.

 

[Muston Atthews]

Kyle Cicerella ‏@KyleTheReporter 28m

Eakins said Ashton is still a "couple weeks" from being able to play. Broken bone in foot is still an issue #Marlies

Tyler Biggs and the Oshawa Generals eliminated from OHL playoffs. Expect Biggs to be assigned to Toronto Marlies this week. #TSN

Can't wait

 

[showtime8]

Playing an overage year would not be a good idea.

They should be playing pro, so they can play with the Leafs, Marlies and other pro teams without problems.

If they go back for their overage year it likely means they aren't good prospects or they have serious flaws.

That's not true at all. There are many prospects that go and play their overage years and end up playing long and successful careers.

What spot will there be for him?

 

[KlattNazty]

Andrew MacWilliam
Jerry D'Amigo
Jamie Devane
Jesse Blacker
Kenny Ryan
Sam Carrick
Greg McKegg
Brad Ross
David Broll
Stuart Percy
Josh Leivo
Tyler Biggs
Andrew Crescenzi
Spencer Abbott
Joe Colborne
Carter Ashton

There will be a lot to watch next year for sure. And I agree, I don't like sending players down for an overage year. In fact, I think teams do that more to avoid a player teams no longer see as having much of a future using up a contract spot during the year. The exceptions being players like Devane who they see could really benefit from another year to find another part of their game, like offence. I see no problem with the ECHL, and I think it served Crescenzi, Carrick,and Devane fine this season.

I could see Crescenzi and Carrick spending maybe a bit more time in the ECHL next year, along with possibly Biggs, Leivo, and Broll depending on whether they have problems adapting right away. With Crescenzi and Carrick getting the first call.

Literally licking my lips at this lineup. SO much toughness, speed, character. Perhaps a bit short on skill, but not badly at all. Leivo will probably be leaned on as the primary scoring winger of the bunch.

 

[BertCorbeau]

Literally licking my lips at this lineup. SO much toughness, speed, character. Perhaps a bit short on skill, but not badly at all. Leivo will probably be leaned on as the primary scoring winger of the bunch.

Outside of Colborne, who is around a PPG pace and I think will be with the Leafs most of next season, I have higher expectations that Ashton, Blacker, Ross, and McKegg can all take big strides forward in their offensive game development (Ashton being the biggest) .. I'd really like to see Abbott take it a notch too, and am rooting for D'Amigo to start scoring more

I'd also like to see Leivo in a supporting top 6 role to see if he can have modest production in his first pro season

The rest of the group I'd like to see polish off their two way game and ability to play at the next level and sustain some success, as most of that group hasn't had much time in the AHL yet

LOVE all the Leaf draft picks in that group though

 

[TheDream]

I believe its been 9 games so far for Morgan Rielly, how has he looked so far? Judging by the point totals it seems like he hasn't acclimated yet to the AHL level (9 games, 1 goal, 1 assist). Dont watch marlies games so I dont know if hes getting top minutes etc, any input?

 

[FreeBird]

Can't wait

Biggs = Convery and Ware hopefully I'm wrong but this is how it's adding up so far.

 

[leafsfuture]

http://video.mapleleafs.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=446&id=237373&lang=en

Great interview. I love the way Eakins handles prospects and approaches the game.

From the sounds of it, it seems as though Percy will be given every opportunity to earn a permanent spot on the Marlie blueline during this playoff run

 

[Leaf Rocket]

should be fun to see biggs in the ahl line up.

 

[Kurisu]

should be fun to see biggs in the ahl line up.

hope he actually does something. He doesn't seem confident with the puck on his stick, often passing it to his linemates.

 

[Leaf Rocket]

hope he actually does something. He doesn't seem confident with the puck on his stick, often passing it to his linemates.

not too worried, people all go through a rough time.

 

[anderson3133]

Biggs = Convery and Ware hopefully I'm wrong but this is how it's adding up so far.

and Ryan Johansen > Nazem Kadri. We get it, you have a keen eye for talent

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Great interview. I love the way Eakins handles prospects and approaches the game.

From the sounds of it, it seems as though Percy will be given every opportunity to earn a permanent spot on the Marlie blueline during this playoff run

Lots of young talent on the horizon, the Marlies coach is going to be a very important job for us, hopefully Dallas sticks around.

 

[ULF_55]

That's not true at all. There are many prospects that go and play their overage years and end up playing long and successful careers.

What spot will there be for him?

The Marlies still have about 12 players 25 and over in their line up.

3 Mike Mottau D 16 0 6 6 8 -4 1978-03-19 34 Quincy, MA 6.00 193
7 Mike Zigomanis C 61 6 27 33 42 1 1981-01-17 31 Toronto, ONT 6.00 200
2 Mike Komisarek D 3 0 0 0 6 3 1982-01-19 30 West Islip, NY 6.04 237
34 Drew MacIntyre G 17 0 0 0 0 0 1983-06-24 29 Charlottetown, PEI 6.01 184
12 Ryan Hamilton L 56 30 18 48 31 3 1985-04-15 27 Oshawa, ONT 6.02 230
17 Paul Ranger D 48 8 17 25 50 16 1984-09-12 27 Whitby, ONT 6.02 215
4 Dylan Yeo D 41 2 14 16 59 5 1986-07-16 26 Prince Albert, SASK 5.11 210
14 Will Acton F 61 7 10 17 49 -1 1987-07-16 25 Stouffville, ONT 6.02 190
24 Simon Gysbers D 52 4 12 16 30 4 1987-05-07 25 Richmond Hill, ONT 6.04 201
45 Ryan Lasch F 7 1 1 2 0 2 1987-01-22 25 Lake Forest, CA 5.09 175
40 Jussi Rynnas G 21 0 0 0 0 0 1987-05-22 25 Pori, Finland 6.05 212
30 Ben Scrivens G 22 0 0 0 10 0 1986-09-11 25 Spruce Grove, ALTA 6.02 192
5 Korbinian Holzer D 43 1 10 11 34 13 1988-02-16 24 Munich, Germany 6.03 206
8 Greg Scott R 64 11 16 27 39 10 1988-06-03 24 Victoria, BC 6.00 193
15 Spencer Abbott F 51 11 19 30 8 8 1988-04-30

There are many opportunities for the young guys either on the Marlies or ECHL. Playing in the pros is where you want these guys. You can bring them up and down from the ECHL based on how it is going. You can't do that with CHL.

 

[ULF_55]

and Ryan Johansen > Nazem Kadri. We get it, you have a keen eye for talent

Not sure why anyone would rank a 20 year old against a 22 year old?

At this age we have to give them time to develop into the players they'll become.

No problem ranking a 25 year old versus a 27 year old, they are both mature men.

 

[showtime8]

The Marlies still have about 12 players 25 and over in their line up.

3 Mike Mottau D 16 0 6 6 8 -4 1978-03-19 34 Quincy, MA 6.00 193
7 Mike Zigomanis C 61 6 27 33 42 1 1981-01-17 31 Toronto, ONT 6.00 200
2 Mike Komisarek D 3 0 0 0 6 3 1982-01-19 30 West Islip, NY 6.04 237
34 Drew MacIntyre G 17 0 0 0 0 0 1983-06-24 29 Charlottetown, PEI 6.01 184
12 Ryan Hamilton L 56 30 18 48 31 3 1985-04-15 27 Oshawa, ONT 6.02 230
17 Paul Ranger D 48 8 17 25 50 16 1984-09-12 27 Whitby, ONT 6.02 215
4 Dylan Yeo D 41 2 14 16 59 5 1986-07-16 26 Prince Albert, SASK 5.11 210
14 Will Acton F 61 7 10 17 49 -1 1987-07-16 25 Stouffville, ONT 6.02 190
24 Simon Gysbers D 52 4 12 16 30 4 1987-05-07 25 Richmond Hill, ONT 6.04 201
45 Ryan Lasch F 7 1 1 2 0 2 1987-01-22 25 Lake Forest, CA 5.09 175
40 Jussi Rynnas G 21 0 0 0 0 0 1987-05-22 25 Pori, Finland 6.05 212
30 Ben Scrivens G 22 0 0 0 10 0 1986-09-11 25 Spruce Grove, ALTA 6.02 192
5 Korbinian Holzer D 43 1 10 11 34 13 1988-02-16 24 Munich, Germany 6.03 206
8 Greg Scott R 64 11 16 27 39 10 1988-06-03 24 Victoria, BC 6.00 193
15 Spencer Abbott F 51 11 19 30 8 8 1988-04-30

There are many opportunities for the young guys either on the Marlies or ECHL. Playing in the pros is where you want these guys. You can bring them up and down from the ECHL based on how it is going. You can't do that with CHL.

A lot of those guys won't be playing for the team next year. Scrivens is on the Leafs roster at the moment, Komisarek will have to do something with his contract because another year of him in the AHL and his career is all but over.

But the thing with going back and forth from the AHL to ECHL, is that you are constantly going between programs and trying to learn something new. And by that account, each player will get limited ice time, so what are they really learning? The benefit of staying in junior gives each player to play more of a pivotal role with their team, while being able to refine skills in their game. You can send players back to work on their game in the penalty kill, powerplay, the way they use their edges, etc.
If you're at the AHL level, you will have zero time to warm up to that because its simply a faster game and you have more of an established role there.