Imagine if the Leafs had Kivihelme, Sandin, Kokkonen, Halowell, Lindgren and Duszak for one of these games. I think that defense alone would obliterate every team in this tourny.
It's absolutely crazy to think that just a few years ago we used to send absolutely trash rosters to these tournaments. Right now we have a stable crop of very talented and highly skilled young prospects.
Bracco
Lilly
Sandin
Robertson
Kivihelme
Kokkonen
Woll/Scott
All of those guys are legitimate future NHLers for me. And then we have a ton of possible NHL hopefuls lead by the likes of SDA/ Korsh/ Brooks/ Marchment.
Also to note, I've been watching these Leafs rookie tournys for about 12 years now and Robertson to me is reaching Nylander/ Gardiner/ Rielly levels of impressiveness. SDA continues to impress me with his small subtleties. He makes so many smart leading passes up the ice to forwards who are in full speed. His abilities to slide those passes over are very similar to what Auston likes to do. I feel like Auston, he might not have the best quality linemates in juniors. This guy should be piling up assists with his play-making abilities. He's also very responsible in the defensive zone as well.