Garret Sparks – McKeen's Hockey

Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect System Overview

Ryan Wagman — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 15:15:16 +0000

Thommie Bergman was a big defenseman whose career was centered in the 70s. An early Swedish transplant to the North American game, he had a few years in a depth role with the Red Wings before moving to the old WHA to play with the original Winnipeg Jets where he found an offensive component to his game. Bergman eventually moved back to the Wings for a few more seasons before heading back home to Sweden for a three-year run in his mid thirties before hanging up his skates.

As is the case with many old pros, Bergman moved into coaching, spending six seasons behind the bench in his native land, mostly in lower leagues, but also one season in the SHL with Skelleftea. He spent a few years out of the public eye before emerging in 1993 as a scout for the Anaheim Ducks with whom he worked for five seasons.

The Mighty Ducks drafted six players out of Sweden in those five years, two of whom (Johan Davidsson and Michael Holmqvist) played in the NHL for a combined 239 games. After that, Bergman disappeared again, emerging as a Swedish scout for Toronto in 2005 and he has been in the Maple Leafs’ employ ever since. From his inauspicious beginnings as a scout for Anaheim, Bergman is now widely recognized as a super scout.

In his first draft with Toronto, the Leafs used a sixth-round pick on a big winger named Viktor Stalberg. In his second draft, a seventh-round pick was used on Carl Gunnarsson. Toronto did not select a player out of Sweden over the next two years, and their three Swedish selections from 2010 did not have the success experienced by Stalberg or Gunnarsson, nor did their Swedish pick from 2011.

In fairness to Bergman, picks from the range of the draft where his recommendations were being selected were not often successful, and the success of those first two had earned him a long leash. The Maple Leafs have selected at least one prospect from the Sweden in each draft since 2010 and without fail, they have exceeded expectations, even the ones who did not go on to NHL fame.

Between the reins of John Ferguson Jr., Cliff Fletcher, Brian Burke, Dave Nonis, Lou Lamoriello and now Kyle Dubas, Bergman has been a constant. The Maple Leafs’ system is now chock full of Swedish prospects, and many, if not all of them, have Bergman’s fingerprints all over them.

Although we lack proof, it is hard to imagine that the two Swedish first rounders picked by Toronto in recent years who were already playing in the OHL in their draft year, were not selected without Bergman’s input and blessing. So, as we look at a Toronto system whose top four players were born, raised and schooled in Sweden, in addition to another two from the top ten and a seventh in the next group of ten, we know where the credit lies. We can also look at how pivotal those Swedish players were in the Calder Cup championship run by the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies.

Tommie Bergman will turn 71 years young shortly before the next WJC in Vancouver but is still going strong. As new GM Dubas, himself with a scouting background, grows accustomed to his present role, he can rest assured that he has an asset in Bergman that most other teams would kill for.

Timothy Liljegren

1 Timothy Liljegren, D (17^th overall, 2017 Last Year: 1^st) As the only 18-year-old defenseman to play regularly in the AHL last year, the bumps were expected and Liljegren experienced his share. But he also had his moments of magic. He regularly demonstrated high end puck carrying skills and the mobility that had him seen at one time as one of the top prospects eligible for the 2017 draft. He is a fantastic passer and has nice whip on his wrist shot from the point, all indicative of a strong top four blueliner, with top pairing potential. He could occasionally show his youth and inexperience when defending against first rate talent, although his instincts are in the right places. He will provide tight coverage but can sometimes fail to finish a check or close strongly enough. He has even shown the occasional willingness to use his still developing body. The things he lacks are coachable. The things he has are less so.

2 Andreas Johnsson, LW (202^nd overall, 2013. Last Year: 11^th) Andreas Johnsson was impressive in his first full campaign in North America. He was fantastic in his second season. Not only did he produce at a point per game clip in the AHL, during the regular season, and at 1.5 points per in a AHL postseason run that ended in a title and the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as playoffs MVP, but he also brought his highly skilled, and gritty game to the NHL scoring three times in 15 combined regular season and playoff games for the Leafs. Johnsson has all of the tools needed to be a high-end top nine winger with top six upside. His IQ shows on both sides of the puck and seems to have a magnetic attraction to getting the biscuit on his stick. His time is now.

3 Rasmus Sandin, D (29^th overall, 2018. Last Year: IE) In addition to his years under the watchful gaze of Thommie Bergman, Sandin spent much of his draft year in Sault Ste. Marie of the OHL, where Toronto GM Kyle Dubas took his first steps as a hockey executive and still has deep connections. So it is fair to say that the Maple Leafs knew what they were getting when Sandin was available to them in the first round. The most impressive facet of his game is his highly advanced hockey brain, but his skating ability and puck skills also both grade out as above average. Undersized, but not without a physical element to his game, he is a prototypical modern age defenseman, one who can gain control of the puck and make the right plays in getting it into a favorable position.

4 Carl Grundstrom, RW (57^th overall, 2016. Last Year: 4^th) For the second year in a row, Grundstrom finished his Swedish season and then came to Canada to get his feet wet in the AHL. This time, with their lengthy playoff run, he got enough ice time to prove that he belonged, scoring eight goals during the postseason campaign. A rugged power winger, Grundstrom has a very good motor, and excellent hands. His first few steps are above average, and he can gain separation. Once he gets the puck, he moves it along quickly but with purpose. His strength is also evident in his ability to maneuver with the puck under heavy coverage without coughing it up. He will likely spend the majority of 2018-19 in the AHL before taking the next step.

Yegor Korshkov

5 Yegor Korshkov, RW (31^st overall, 2016. Last Year: 15^th) Drafted by Toronto in his third year of eligibility, Korshkov has since improved his offensive output year over year in the KHL, finishing last year fifth among all skaters aged 22 and under. Although a physically imposing specimen, his game is centered more around a high-end hockey IQ and impressive offensive skills. He sees the game very well and is able to create chances for himself, or his linemates. He also moves very well for his size, suggesting an ability to hold up in the fast-paced style of play Toronto prefers. The main question with Korshkov is when he will come over. Toronto is interested, but he is expected to play at least one more season in Yaroslavl.

6 Garret Sparks, G (190^th overall, 2011. Last Year: unranked) After appearing in 17 NHL games in the Maple Leafs’ lost season of 2015-16, it was largely expected that Sparks would have graduated from this list long ago. Instead, the rebuilding Maple Leafs sent him back to the AHL and his 1.79 GAA and .936 save percentage both led the league last year, earning him a well deserved Baz Bastien Memorial Award as the top netminder in the circuit. A highly athletic goalie who skates very well for his position, he plays an aggressive game, and is calm under pressure, trusting in his quick legs to get him out of jams. He has also improved upon his propensity to let one bad goal snowball. He has a good chance of stealing the backup job in the NHL this season.

7 Calle Rosen, D (UDFA: May 16, 2017. Last Year: 10^th) One of two undrafted free agent defenders signed out of Sweden in the 2017-18 offseason, Rosen started slower than Andreas Borgman, but was more integral to the AHL Marlies in the second half, exhibiting a real dynamic element from the blueline. A high-end skater with very impressive puck skills, he excels when he dips into the offensive end as a trailer on the rush. He is very poised on the puck and has a strong enough shot that his goal scoring rate should with more North American experience. Ostensibly an offensive defenseman, he is competent off the puck, although his slight frame will necessitate that he be protected to an extent.

8 Eemeli Rasanen, D (59^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 16^th) A gigantic defender with intriguing natural gifts, Rasanen is a big presence from the point, although his production in his first post draft year was a mild disappointment. He skated very well for his size and has a killer point shot, although his wrist shot can also get through the crowd and on net. A bit of a gentle giant the 6-7” Finnish blueliner was fine in Kingston of the OHL, but often left you wanting to see more. Like many players of his stature, it looks like slow development is the best course and he has returned to Finland to spend 2018-19 with Jokerit, competing against KHL competition. The step up in competition might be the challenge he needs.

9 Sean Durzi, D (52^nd overall, 2018. Last Year: IE) Although he spent some time on the sidelines last year due to an ankle injury, Durzi’s production when he was healthy was top notch, with his 1.23 points per game rate placing him second among all OHL defensemen and earning him a call in the second round in his second year of draft eligibility. Like most of the defensemen above him on this list, Durzi has above average mobility and puck skills while lacking somewhat in the size department. The right-handed shot grades out as above average in most of his core attributes, outside of physicality. His vision is advanced although he needs to time his pinches better. His tracking ability suggests that he has value off the puck as well.

10 Dmytro Timashov, LW (125^th overall, 2015. Last Year: 18^th) After struggling at times in his first year as a pro, Timashov began to right the ship in his follow up campaign, flashing dynamic playmaking abilities in both the regular season and the postseason for the Marlies. Still inconsistent, the core elements of above average skating – with edgework that help that attribute play up – and very impressive puck skills suggesting that his sneaky skill set will allow him to continue to improve. Short but stocky, he has strength although he rarely initiates physical play. There is a boom or bust quality to Timashov’s overall game, but his ability to generate offense will ensure that he gets as many chances as he needs to end up on the right side of that coin flip.

11 Jeremy Bracco, C/RW (61^st overall, 2015. Last Year: 5^th) In a lot of ways, Jeremy Bracco has a lot in common with the player immediately above him on this list. Slightly better wheels perhaps, slightly less dynamic as a play maker. Where Bracco still has ground to make up is in his ability to not be an anchor away from the puck. For that reason, he often found himself on the press-box last season, especially in the postseason, appearing in only four games. As with Timashov last year, it is far too early to condemn Bracco as a bust after only one year in the AHL, especially when we see that his scoring numbers were actually pretty good. More will be expected of him is his follow-up, but he has the good to deliver.

12 Joseph Woll, G (62^nd overall, 2016. Last Year: 8th) A highly athletic netminder, Woll had some ups and downs in his sophomore season at Boston College, as well as his second stint with Team USA at the WJC, although for both teams, he consistently kept his squad in the game. A pure butterfly goalie, he enjoys handling the puck and can help kickstart the transition. He can struggle seeing the puck cleanly and is known to whiff with his glove, but he has some elements of a promising netminder and the Maple Leafs, who have enough at the pro level to staff their NHL, AHL, and ECHL squads, will let him take his time on campus.

13 Josh Leivo, RW (86^th overall, 2011. Last Year: 7^th) Josh Leivo shouldn’t be on this list. After putting up 10 point in 13 NHL games in 2016-17, he was expected to make the NHL roster out of camp. And he did. But then he spent nearly the entire season in the press box, dressing only 16 times, a victim of head coach Mike Babcock’s preference for veteran grinders on the fourth line. In fairness to Babcock, Leivo lacks in pace and does not have a reputation as a defensive stalwart, although he knows how to handle himself in his own zone. Leivo plays a strong game, knows how to push possession and has a fantastic shot. With three more games played, he will graduate from this list.

14 Pierre Engvall, LW (188^th overall, 2014. Last Year: unranked) A late round find from Sweden in the mold of Victor Stalberg (see above), Engvall performed very well in his first season in the SHL, earning an ELC after the season there ended, and he continued to impressed in a cameo with the Marlies. Engvall has a long, rangy frame, skates quite well and earns accolades for his offensive tool kit. He can get the puck nicely through the neutral zone and shows strength on the puck. He still has to develop his game away from the puck and can come across as a bit soft despite his length, but to his credit, he spent this year adjusting to two new levels of competition. A full, healthy AHL campaign will teach us a lot about what is in his future.

15 Igor Ozhiganov, D (UDFA: May 17, 2018. Last Year: IE) A 25-year-old with six full seasons in the KHL under his belt, Ozhiganov is a prospect in the technical sense of the word, if not in the pure sense. While his final season with CSKA Moscow was a bit of a disappointment, there was great speculation that his diminished role on the club as at least as much a reaction of his coaches to the rampant rumors that would be leaving after the season for North America, as it was about anything to do with his actual level of play. A beefy right-handed shooter, he offers a bit of everything, including fine wheels, solid offensive instincts and skills, and a mature overall game. Ozhiganov could make the Leafs out of camp in a #6/7 D role, or spend some time getting acclimated to the North American game in the AHL first.

Semyon Der-Arguchintsev

16 Semyon Der-Arguchintsev, C (76^th overall, 2018. Last Year: IE) A smooth skater with slick skills with the puck, Der-Arguchintsev is so slight that it is a wonder his full last name can fit on the back of his uniform. Notably, if he was born one day later, he would not even have been eligible for the draft until next June. His lack of strength shows up in his shot as much as it does in the parts of the game that are normally attributed to physicality, but he is as projectible as anyone from the 2018 draft class. His hockey smarts currently are more geared towards the offensive side of the puck, but his ability to process the game bodes well to continued development in that area. He is one to watch.

17 Adam Brooks, C (92^nd overall, 2016. Last Year: 6^th) One the one hand, for a player who led the WHL in assists for two years running, with a combined 169 over 138 games, to put up only 19 points in a roughly full first season in the AHL was a letdown. He still shows a knack for setting up teammates with a clever pass, helping extend possessions and moving the puck in the right direction, but the finishing was lacking. On the other hand, Brooks was pleasantly surprising in both his willingness and his ability to play a two-way game. A slight 5-11”, he plays a cerebral game, and can be suitable for a variety of roles. I expect improved offensive output in his second season with the Marlies, but it is fair to question how much better he can be.

18 Dakota Joshua, C (128^th overall, 2014. Last Year: unranked) In a system teeming with speed and skill, it can be easy to overlook Joshua, a beefier power forward playing for a non-powerhouse NCAA program. Although he played a critical role as a junior for the Buckeyes, helping the team to the Frozen Four, he was more of a secondary offensive threat than a primary scorer. A solid two-way player who has decent hands although not a frequent puck player. His utility in his own zone and the penalty kill, as well as his sheer strength when moving the puck, should be enough to convince the Leafs to offer him a contract after completing his collegiate eligibility this season.

19 Mac Hollowell, D (118^th overall, 2018. Last Year: IE) A teammate of first rounder Rasmus Sandin’s with Sault Ste. Marie, Hollowell is tiny in a system already loaded with smaller defenders. After being overlooked in his first year of draft eligibility, he more than doubled his offensive output in his second go-round. Despite the gaudy point numbers (56 points in 63 games in the regular season), Hollowell’s tools are only around average. Where he stands out is in his feet as he is an excellent skater as well as his hockey smarts. He plays within his limitations and generally makes the right play. A critical part of one of the best possession team in the CHL, the hope as that he can carry some of that to the pros within two seasons.

20 Fedor Gordeev, D (141^st overall, 2017. Last Year: unranked) Still new to the blueline, the gigantic (6-6”, 212) Gordeev can struggle to take care of business in his own end. On the other hand, playing with a moribund Flint squad in the OHL, he nearly doubled his point production, showing more assertiveness with the puck from the blueline. He skates well for his size and has begun to play with the jam expected of a player with his imposing stature. Gordeev still has a way to grow, in his game if not in his frame, but it cannot hurt for an organization so saturated with smaller defenders to have a few bigger men as points of comparison and to offer a different look.

Friedman’s Five — 12/18/15

McKeen's Hockey — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 17:37:10 +0000

A lot has happened since my last segment. Patrick Kane racked up a whole bunch of points and I got married. I've also had plenty of time to think about hockey in the lead-up to this return column.

Here's what's on my mind:

1. THE NHL'S SUPPOSED GOAL SCORING PROBLEM ISN'T ACTUALLY A PROBLEM

Three players are on-pace to break the 100-point player, despite the greatly exaggerated news of the 100-point player's demise. One is currently on pace for 90, but that could change tomorrow (there were three a week ago). Eight are on pace for 80-89 points. Twenty players are on-pace for 70-79 points. If anything, this demonstrates a more even distribution of wealth.

The other factor here is that, as much as we tout the improved quality of play (which is absolutely the case), the stars of today aren't necessarily better than the stars of yesterday. Sidney Crosby is not Wayne Gretzky. Ryan Getzlaf isn't Mario Lemieux. Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane aren't Steve Yzerman and Sergei Fedorov. It's just the reality of the situation.

Goaltending is better than it used to be. Defense is better than it used to be. Are those bad things? Of course not. Why would they be? It's not like we're seeing soccer-esque scores in the majority of hockey games. And besides, shouldn't the NHL be happy to showcase different aspects of the sport? It's not all about goals. I think the balance is perfect right now, and nothing needs to be changed.

2. JOHNNY GAUDREAU IS THE BEST OF THE 2011 DRAFT CLASS

For fun, I decided to revisit the 2011 Entry Draft and determine where players should've been picked in hindsight. It's clear to me that Gaudreau is the best in his class. Gabriel Landeskog makes a good case, as does Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, but Gaudreau's the more dynamic player of the three. He took longer to develop, which could've hurt his draft value, but there's no reason he shouldn't have at least been selected in the first round. The Flames plucked a gem.

3. PLETHORA OF SLUMPING STARS AN ANOMALY, CAUSED BY VARIOUS COINCIDENTAL CIRCUMSTANCES

It seems like just about every star player is having a down year, and you might be quick to point to that as proof that the NHL really does have a scoring problem. But if you look closer at each player's situation, you can see the reasons behind their respective slumps.

The Penguins were struggling as a team, which has brought everyone's numbers down -- including Sidney Crosby and Phil Kessel. John Tavares has tried to do too much at times and hasn't been himself, which is why his numbers are down. Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry have had trouble because the Ducks are struggling. Steven Stamkos is weighed down by his contract situation, whether he'll admit that or not.

There's no league-wide pandemic, no goal shortage. Players struggle all the time and for a multitude of reasons. This year, it happens to be the case for several stars.

4. WHY ROOKIE GOALIES OFTEN START OFF WELL, BUT CAN'T KEEP IT UP

How many times have we seen a young goalie come into the NHL red-hot over the past few years? John Gibson, Connor Hellebuyck, Andrew Hammond, Michael Hutchinson, Garret Sparks, Mike Condon. The Maple Leafs seem to have a new one every other week.

So, why do they start off so hot and then suddenly turn freezing cold? Two words: Scouting Report.

Until shooters know the book on a goalie, it's hard for them to pick their targets. You know you have a good NHL netminder when he's played long enough for opponents to gain a better understanding of his tendencies and has remained effective. When this doesn't happen, it doesn't necessarily mean he's not cut out to be an NHL goaltender; it means he might not be ready to handle that role just yet. It could also mean he'll never be able to, but that's not the only possible outcome.

5. WE'RE NOT TALKING ENOUGH ABOUT RASMUS RISTOLAINEN

I know the tendency these days is to just pick whichever defenseman amasses the most points, and though Ristolainen doesn't have that under his belt, he does have 24 points this season. He's also been exceptionally sound away from the puck, and has shown he can be physical as well. He's on my Norris ballot right now (just in case anyone wants my vote).

Follow Daniel Friedman on Twitter @bardownhowitzer

Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire: Goalies and Peripheral Studs

McKeen's Hockey — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 19:14:31 +0000

This week the waiver wire takes a close look at specific needs your fantasy team may have. Goaltending is a precious commodity in many fantasy leagues and there are some under the radar netminders who could provide good value. And if you are in a league which counts peripheral stats such as hits and blocked shots there are some players who can help you stuff those categories.

Garret Sparks, Toronto Maple Leafs – Goalie 11% owned

James Reimer is injured and Jonathan Bernier is struggling so badly that Leafs Head Coach Mike Babcock has recalled Garret Sparks from the Marlies and gave him his first career NHL start. How did Sparks do? He made 24 saves to shut out the Edmonton Oilers for his first career win and shutout. Not bad! How long will Sparks continue to see starts in the NHL with Toronto? Hard to say, but as long as Reimer is out and Bernier is on a milk carton, expect Babcock to ride Sparks until further notice.

Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets – Goalie 46% owned

Like in Toronto, Ondrej Pavelec is down with an injury and Mike Hutchinson is struggling, giving up 17 goals and three losses in his last four starts. Out of necessity (or desperation) Coach Paul Maurice turned to the recently recalled Hellebuyck to make his NHL debut. How did he do? He got his first win allowing only one goal against, not bad. Unlike Sparks who has come from the ECHL, Hellebuyck has a much stronger pedigree playing college hockey and having a breakout performance at last year’s World Championships for Team USA as indicated by his higher ownership percentage. Hellebuyck should represent a stronger long term solution and by seasons end could even be in keeper consideration for some leagues to a must own in others.

Anders Nilsson, Edmonton Oilers – Goalie 40% owned

Nilsson has stolen the starting job away from Cam Talbot who has not played well so far. Nilsson has represented the more reliable option but could really use some run support from the Oilers to help his fantasy cause in the win column. Despite having only one win in his last five starts, his season stats are impressive (for an Oilers goalie) at 2.7 GAA and a .911 save%. When Connor McDavid returns it could fix his win column stat, so scoop him up while he is available.

Category Champions

Leo Komarov, Toronto Maple Leafs – Right Wing 39% owned

Komarov makes this list by virtue of his hits stats, 114 hits is second overall in the NHL. However, it is worth noting that Komarov is playing on a line with Nazem Kadri and James van Riemsdyk and has ten goals and four assists this season already. Not only can you count on Komarov to help you win your hits column, he won’t hurt you win other categories as well.

Kris Russel, Calgary Flames – Defence 41% owned

Russel is leading the NHL in blocked shots with 80 to date. He is logging big time minutes for the Flames at 21:55 minutes a night with over a minute on the power play as well as almost a full two minutes on the penalty kill. Russel has also provided a little offense to boot with six points on the season.

Jean Gabriel Pageau, Ottawa Senators – Centre 29 % owned

A fan favorite in Ottawa who loves to play the Habs, Pageau is tied for second in the NHL with three shorthanded points. While this category alone is not reliable enough to merit recognition, Pageau has also been cleaning up on draws with 196 wins (27^th in the NHL) and has produced nine points in total on the season.

Mark Borowiecki, Ottawa Senators – Defence 30% owned

If you are looking for a player to pad all your peripheral categories, look no further than the Sens Borowiecki. He has 38 penalty minutes, 92 hits, and 39 blocked shots. While he is not at the top of any of those categories, he provides a balanced dose of each giving him extreme value in formats that score those stats.

Bonus Round

Here are some players who are hot, recently recalled, or worth keeping an eye on. Byron Froese of the Toronto Maple Leafs can help win some face off categories, his offense has not yet arrived, and it may never but he is a Coaches favorite and sees lots of minutes for the Leafs. Alex Radulov is in the KHL but will be a free agent this summer. If you are in a deep keeper league and can burn a roster spot on him it may be worth the risk as he may return to the NHL. The population of Pominville just jumped to two. After a very slow start to the season, Jason Pominville now has two goals in the last two games. Defencemen Nikita Nesterov and Andrey Pedan were recently recalled by Tampa Bay and Vancouver respectively and may see some NHL action soon. And finally, Tomas Jurco and Teemu Pulkkinen have been recalled by the Detroit Red Wings. Thanks for reading, and keep your stick on the ice.