End of year prospect Awards
Top Prospect-Timothy Liljegren
You could make the case for Sandin, and I wouldn’t totally disagree with it, but Liljegren has the same top pair upside, and has grown really well.
Prospect of the year-Nicholas Robertson
This is the only one which I can say nobody but him deserved it. Many prospects had great seasons, but what Robertson did this season is simply amazing, and turned himself into an elite prospect.
Highest Upside-Rasmus Sandin
There were contenders in Roberson and maybe Liljegren, but Sandin’s development has taken a major boom since being drafted. The steps he has taken have been remarkable, and he isn’t even scratching the surface of what he could become. His upside is a true #1 defenseman who can drive play, and give you major minutes in every situation.
Best Offensive skills(non Shot)-SDA
I made a different section for skills and shot because I feel like it would be unfair to some prospects. I don’t think it’s fair to knock a 5 shot grade prospect if his skills are only 3 or something, and vice versa. I had thoughts about this one between SDA and Bracco. They are both passing wizards and truly elite playmakers. I went with SDA though because I feel like SDA’s skills show up on even strength more than it does for Bracco. Maybe it’s the wrong way to look at things, but I do value high even strength production highly. Despite Bracco’s high point totals in the AHL, it is a fair argument his passes show up more on the PP.
Best Shot-Nicholas Robertson
This one goes without saying
Best Skater-Mac Hollowell
I didn’t have much debate on this one either. His skating is fantastic in every way. Speed, agility, edgework, escapability, Hollowell has all of it.
Defense-Mikko Kokkonen
I had thoughts of Lilljegren, but Kokkonen has been regarded as an advanced defensive player for his age, and is NHL ready in terms of defensive play. His awareness of what to do in each situation is terrific.
Compete-Nicholas Robertson
Again don’t need to explain this
Hockey IQ/Smarts-Nick Abruzzese
The good thing about the Leafs system is that there are many high IQ players. From Kokkonen, to Holmberg, to Sandin, Lilljegren among others, but I am giving to Abruzzese. He has a lot of skill, but his points come from because he is extremely smart. Scouts really like his smarts, and the way he studies the game well.
Most Underrated Prospect-Jesper Lindgren
I am going to continue on this train. He has had steady development throughout his career, and was one of the better defensemen for the Marlies this season, and if he can stay healthy, he should receive an NHL call up sooner rather than later.
Prospect who took the biggest step-Nicholas Robertson
Honestly, you could give this to Abramov or Abruzzese, but unprecedented goal scoring and growth after his draft year, I can’t give it to anyone else
Prospect who could take the biggest step-Mikko Kokkonen
This one might surprise some, but his game is so well rounded and translatable that I wouldn’t be surprised he establishes himself as a great defenseman in Liiga, and his 2nd half was really good this season.
Do you agree
@SeaOfBlue and
@Kiwi?