Confirmed with Link: Leafs in on college FA Joseph Duszak RHD (Confirmed -- Signed)

[Warden of the North]

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[ShaneFalco]

Can he play now?

 

[Schenn]

Obligatory free wallet comment.

 

[Walshy7]

Mac Hollowell sized, BUT he isn't 27 destroying 9 year olds so a better mac?

 

[SprDaVE]

He's definitely one of the more sought after free agent prospects out there.

Top producer for his team, 21 years old (turning 22 in July).

A clip of him joining the rush for a nice goal (1:50 - #21)

 

[MyBudJT]

Can't hurt. RHD is an obvious need for our organization, which gives him a better chance to crack the big club. Not only that, the fact we need cheap ELCs to fill out the roster helps his cause as well.

Developing recent free agents like Moore, Zaitsev, Ozhiganov and even guys like Soshnikov and Marchment show that free agents can have success in our organization.

Our current RHD depth is:
Zaitsev
Liljegren
Ozhiganov*
Holl
LoVerde*
Lindgren
Hollowell
Rasanaen**
Subban*
Oleksy*


* = free agent
** = unsigned

 

[SprDaVE]

 

[Bomber0104]

5'10, 185lbs..

Sounds exactly like a Dubas kind of player.

 

[Jozay]

Why not

 

[Matthews34]

The Leafs should also look at Oliwer Kaski playing in Liiga for the Pelicans. Big RHD that can skate and move the puck very well and he's only 23. He's 5th in Liiga in scoring

Oliwer Kaski

 

[BlueForever75]

Comparisons to Justin Faulk and Brian Rafalski

Slightly smaller at almost 5'11 then Faulk but same flaws defensively and upside offensively.

Could be a good depth move with him in the AHL developing at still a young age of 21. Maybe Keefe can help him with his defensive game as he has for other players.

 

[justafan22]

5'10, 185lbs..

Sounds exactly like a Dubas kind of player.

185 at 5'10 is not a lightweight. That's a guy with strength.

 

[Bomber0104]

185 at 5'10 is not a lightweight. That's a guy with strength.

Maybe for a soccer player.

That's undersized for a hockey player, let alone a defenceman.

 

[jaric1862]

The good thing about this guy is that hes a 97, wheras most of the other sought after college free agents are 96-95s. He has more room to grow, and would do great with marlies amazing development system

 

[MyBudJT]

Has much better NCAA stats than Torey Krug and Will Butcher... but admittidley, he is in a weaker conference.

 

[justafan22]

Maybe for a soccer player.

That's undersized for a hockey player, let alone a defenceman.

Similar height + weight as krug, butcher

 

[Bomber0104]

Similar height + weight as krug, butcher

And they're undersized too...

 

[Cor]

Love it.

Posted about this kid back in January. If he's willing to turn Pro, I'd give him a shot. He plays in a weaker division, but his play has been impressive none-the-less.

 

[Mugzy97]

And they're undersized too...

Undersized is an old term now that doesn't make sense. They're either good or they're not.

 

[Bomber0104]

Undersized is an old term now that doesn't make sense. They're either good or they're not.

Maybe in a non-contact league.

 

[Mess]

Torey Krug lite.

 

[Mugzy97]

Maybe in a non-contact league.

So Krug sucks? Debrincat sucks?

 

[SeaOfBlue]

My main concern is how his style of play with translate to the NHL, if he's a pure offensive defenseman, and his QoC. His defensive game is going to need to match his offensive game if he wants any legitimate shot at the NHL, especially when he's playing weaker competition. Pure offensive defensemen have a tough time making it in the NHL unless they are spectacular. He's going to be outmatched at his size in physical battles, which is already not a strength for the team, but if he plays a strong two-way game, he can overcome that. QoC is another legit concern. Past players who have put up big numbers in that conference have not even made it out of the ECHL, but at the same time he is a defenseman and a little bit younger than they were. Does that mean he'll make the NHL though? Not so sure.

 

[Cor]

 

[Knies iT]

Duszak is tied with Schultz for the 2nd most points in a season by a defensemen in the last 10 years.