Mess
Global Moderator
I guess 50 contracts limits putting any effort into long term development also. Certainly a variable in choosing skill over size again.
50 pro contracts is the reason that this idea id flawed.
If you factor 25 players for your NHL team and ~20 for you AHL then mathematically it only leaves 5-6 of your weakest prospects under contract to head to the ECHL.
5 to 6 players on a team with 15-20 others brought in by the Solar Bears that have no connection to the Leafs all competing for TOI/g in the ECHL without Leafs having much if any say except hope their guys get quality ice time against players often much older and more experienced in Orlando.
What would make this unique if the Leafs demoted a top 10 prospect like say Freddy Gauthier to the ECHL while leaving lower ranked prospects like Carter Verhaeghe instead with the Marlies to practice with the team. Hard to imagine the team you have complete control over where Dubas is the GM of the Marlies that you would believe this was better for your top prospects development. When injuries hit you would be playing lesser players in the AHL than the ones you have in the ECHL.
I think this strategy works best with goalies because there is only 1 net and limited roster spots. So having a goalie prospect in CHL and one perhaps in Euro and then 1 in the ECHL and 2 X on the Marlies is how you would space out development of the system.