Andrew MacWilliam
- Thread starter Phaneuffan3
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SprDaVE
Moderator
- Sep 20, 2008
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There is a chance. I'm not sure he's got upside to be more then a Mark Fraser type defender to be honest though.
He's definitely a feisty defender. Hits to hurt. Doesn't back down from anybody and his mobility is adequate. Good positionally but can get caught out of position for that hit and take questionable penalties.
He has no offensive upside either. His overall puck skills I think are underwhelming, which will hold him back. With that said, he's not going to be counted for that if he does reach his potential. He's going to be that gritty defender that blocks shots, play a physical style and clear the crease so to speak.
He wore an "A" this past Marlies season for a reason. He's a stand up guy, even as a pro rookie out of college. With everything said, I think he can be a good #7-8 defender this season and a #5-6-7 in the near future. He's all ready 24 years old and going to be 25 by the end of the 2016 season. I think he'll probably start on the Marlies and finish with the Leafs by the end of the season.
EDIT:
Here's a youtube of pretty much what he brings. A lot of standing up for teammates, grit and tenacity. He's a tough kid.
He's definitely a feisty defender. Hits to hurt. Doesn't back down from anybody and his mobility is adequate. Good positionally but can get caught out of position for that hit and take questionable penalties.
He has no offensive upside either. His overall puck skills I think are underwhelming, which will hold him back. With that said, he's not going to be counted for that if he does reach his potential. He's going to be that gritty defender that blocks shots, play a physical style and clear the crease so to speak.
He wore an "A" this past Marlies season for a reason. He's a stand up guy, even as a pro rookie out of college. With everything said, I think he can be a good #7-8 defender this season and a #5-6-7 in the near future. He's all ready 24 years old and going to be 25 by the end of the 2016 season. I think he'll probably start on the Marlies and finish with the Leafs by the end of the season.
EDIT:
Here's a youtube of pretty much what he brings. A lot of standing up for teammates, grit and tenacity. He's a tough kid.
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The guy is the only kind of relevant enforcer left in today's game, unless a player has a rare combination of speed and brains to be more than a plugger. The concept of a defenseman enforcer is quite smart all things considered, as they can play with all lines to protect players. I see him as a definite NHLer, but never more than a 5-6 guy. Very similar to Mark Fraser, only a better and faster skater.
Phaneuffan3
Beleafer
Thanks for the write up, and the video, cant watch it at work but I'll definately take a look. I have read a lot that says he's a character guy, and thats always welcome as far as I'm concerned. Also impressive wearing an A as a rookie.
Phaneuffan3
Beleafer
So from what I gather, it looks like the 6/7 spots could be a battle between Mac, Granberg and Percy as the realistic options coming from the marlies. Safe assumption?
SprDaVE
Moderator
- Sep 20, 2008
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Gardiner, Rielly and Phaneuf on the left. Polak, Robidas on the right. One spot available and Phaneuf can play both left and right if needed.
Granberg seems like the top choice for the #6 role. He's a righty and the Leafs seem to think he's definitely ready. Holzer is another gunning for that RHD bottom pairing role.
Percy will be back with the Marlies. He's only 21 and making him play low end minutes when he still needs to play a lot to get better at both ends of the ice would be better for him. Look for him to be a first call up and a likely 2016-2017 roster spot.
MacWilliam doesn't have much upside to his game, in my opinion, so it makes sense for him to be there in that spot.
So really, MacWilliam, Granberg and Holzer are realistically all vying for those bottom pairing spots this season. The younger players will need to really impress to stick around.
Phaneuffan3
Beleafer
Ah, I did forget about Holzer. There hasn't been much hype around him after he got his call up trial and was put on the top pairing with Dion. I took a look at his stats from last season, they look respectible. He also brought a nice physical element too. Between Holzer and Mac, how do they stack up against each other in the mobility department?
LeafsNation149
Registered User
- Feb 4, 2013
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Phaneuffan3
Beleafer
Fairly high expectations for a kid that hasn't played a single pro game. Maybe get some seasoning on the Marlies before we throw him to the wolves
MacWilliam could get the 6th spot if they keep Phaneuf on the right side and dump Franson. It's really either him or Percy as the #3 left D on the depth chart as it is.
Granberg starting up makes little sense unless they move Phaneuf to LD and trade Franson. Otherwise, there are at least 3 RD ahead of him at the depth chart. It makes no sense to keep him up as a healthy scratch. If injuries hit, maybe he'll play... otherwise, Holzer makes more sense as a #7.
Granberg starting up makes little sense unless they move Phaneuf to LD and trade Franson. Otherwise, there are at least 3 RD ahead of him at the depth chart. It makes no sense to keep him up as a healthy scratch. If injuries hit, maybe he'll play... otherwise, Holzer makes more sense as a #7.
LeafsNation149
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Rielly didn't play a single pro game either, and this was last season. I honestly think Finn is ready if not then give him his 9 games and go on from there
TMLeafer
Rest in Peace Johnny Bower
I liked his game this past preseason. Short sample size, but he skated better than I thought.
Good depth guy, I suppose.
Good depth guy, I suppose.
Really like MacWilliam and thinks he has more potential than most here believe. I think he can be a #4 guy beside Jake Gardiner in the future.
Man, I love our D prospects
Matt Finn - Morgan Rielly
Jake Gardiner - Andrew MacWilliam
Stuart Percy - Petter Granberg
That doesn't even factor in Dion Phaneuf, nor guys like Loov, Nilsson, and Knodel (another under-rated guy)
If it can shape into something like;
Morgan Rielly - Dion Phaneuf
Jake Gardiner - Matt Finn
Stuart Percy - Andrew MacWilliam/Petter Granberg
Oh boy... that makes me excited
Man, I love our D prospects
Matt Finn - Morgan Rielly
Jake Gardiner - Andrew MacWilliam
Stuart Percy - Petter Granberg
That doesn't even factor in Dion Phaneuf, nor guys like Loov, Nilsson, and Knodel (another under-rated guy)
If it can shape into something like;
Morgan Rielly - Dion Phaneuf
Jake Gardiner - Matt Finn
Stuart Percy - Andrew MacWilliam/Petter Granberg
Oh boy... that makes me excited
I don't know why, but I absolutely love this guy. I don't really know what I'm expecting, probably similar to what others have posted, #6/7 with huge physical upside. All the video I've watched of him makes me think he'll be a dominating physical presence, even with the limited he'll get. Not necessarily good with the puck, but solid in his own end.
I can't see Phaneuf playing on the left side. He always plays on the right side and it'd be foolish to change that now. The bottom pairing LD spot is up for grabs, in other words.
