The first thing I ever wrote for PPP was prospect updates during the lockout in the fall of 2012. I pretty much stopped doing that after that season, I have no answer as to why, but I did. Fear not however I will be giving you weekly updates on the ones in the NCAA, CHL, and Europe. I used to include the ECHL, but Acha has that covered for us now.
We're looking at a quick summary for each player, a glimpse at their time, and hopefully we can see nothing but positives. All stats are up to this Monday. After this I'll wrap up everyone's week on Monday or Tuesday mornings.
Without further ado, your Maple Leafs Prospects Report from the start of their season to now.
OHL
Mitchell Marner , J.J. Piccinich - London Knights
5GP - 3G, 4A - 7P / 5GP - 4G, 5A - 9P
The London Knights started their season off with a 4-1-1-1 record, gaining 10 out of a possible 14 points, and they sit fourth in the Western conference, behind the undefeated Erie Otters for the Midwest division lead. Coming back late due to Leafs camp JJ Piccinich has played five games and scored 4 goals, with 5 assists in those games. Mitch Marner was named co-captain with Christian Dvorak when he returned to London, and has also started strongly.
Marner had to get his feet wet when he rejoined the London Knights after Leafs camp. The Knights have a lot of weapons up front this season and they're still trying to figure out how the ice time is going to be spread and who is going to play with who. Piccinich has found a niche inside the top-six and should have no trouble feeding off the likes of Marner, Dvorak, and Tkachuk throughout the year. - Scott Wheeler
Travis Dermott - Erie Otters
6GP - 0G, 3A - 3P
A Connor McDavid-less Erie Otters have to settle for Dylan Strome as captain this season, but Travis Dermott is solidly hanging on to the back end to help keep the Otters season opening win streak at 6.
Nikita Korostelev - Sarnia Sting
8GP - 1G, 5A - 6P
The Sting are playing excellent hockey so far and Korostelev is playing a big role, setting up his team mates for some great goals. This could finally be a year where the Sting play more of a role in the OHL west.
Stephen Desrocher - Oshawa Generals
8GP - 4G, 4A - 8P
The Memorial Cup winning Oshawa Generals haven't exploded out of the gate, but are still nothing to be taken for granted. Desrocher is solidifying the blue line and sharing in the offense with a point per game pace so far.
QMJHL
Dmytro Timashov - Quebec Remparts
7GP - 4G, 7A - 11P
The QMJHL season starts earlier than other CHL leagues, so being at Leafs camp Dymtro missed the first four games of the season, but hasn't let that stop him. He's looking like a real threat in the Q.
Martins Dzierkals - Rouyun-Noranda Huskies
8GP - 6G, 7A - 13P
We weren't sure if he'd report, but he did and is giving the residents of the capital of "middle of nowhere" some damn fine entertainment. On the verge of a 2PPG pace, Dzierkals is helping the Huskies to the top of the Q standings.
A huge question mark when the Leafs drafted him due to his lack of visibility in the MHL, Dzierkals has played his way into the spotlight in the QMJHL early and often with several highlight reel plays. His ability to change pace and vision cross-ice will make him a dominant scoring threat against just about any opponent in the CHL. The Huskies are a team to watch as things get rolling. - Scott Wheeler
Cody Donaghey - Halifax Mooseheads
4GP - 0G, 1A - 1P
With stats to fit his team's standing, Donaghey would rank on the bottom of our prospects list. Coming off a season where he tore his ACL/MCL it's expected to not be tearing things up. Here's hoping he can work out some rust and help the Mooseheads make the playoffs.
WHL
Andrew Nielsen - Lethbridge Hurricans
6GP - 3G, 2A - 5P
A big night on October 6th is the highlight of his season so far, scoring 2 goals to help lead the Hurricanes to a victory.
NCAA
Jeremy Bracco - Boston College
2GP - 0G 0A - 0P
Pointless in two games, but freshmen get the least amount of ice time, Bracco will adjust to his new league and team and hopefully pick up the scoring pace he had with the US development team.
Dominic Toninato / Tony Cameranesi - U. Minnesota-Duluth
1GP - 0G, 0A - 0P / 1GP - 0G, 1A - 1P
The NCAA season has just started so these two only have one game under their belt. I wonder if they've bonded over both being drafted by the Leafs?
Dakota Joshua - Ohio State
Season not started
Another freshman, Ohio State hasn't played a game yet.
Nolan Vesey - U. Maine
2GP - 0G, 0A - 0P
Coming off a 23-point freshman season, Nolan should pick up the pace after being held pointless in two games.
Sweden
Andreas Johnson - Frolunda Indians, SHL/CHL
SHL: 9GP - 4G, 3A - 7P / Champions Hockey League (CHL): 5GP - 1G - 5A - 6P
Our elusive Swedish prospect is in his third SHL season and is already at a PPG pace. The lover of all things Ikea has given us a highlight worthy goal already and is on his way to playing a dmoninant role with Frolunda, who lead the SHL standings.
Johnson struggled to produce early on this season in the SHL but he was creating chances and generating shots. It was only a matter of time until he got going again and he has since reprised his role as one of if not Frolunda's most dangerous weapons up front. Johnson rarely plays a SHL or CHL game without creating a Grade A scoring chance with his shot. - Scott Wheeler
Jesper Lindgren - MODO, SHL
8GP - 0G, 0A - 0P
The other SHL defenseman the Leafs have isn't off to as roaring a start as his cohort. MODO sit near the bottom of the standings, but hopefully the team picks up and Lindgren can start developing under a winning atmosphere.
Pierre Engvall - Mora IK, Allsvenskan
10GP - 2G, 2A - 4P
Allsvenskan is the Swedish AHL. Engvall needs to move up a level this year or after if we want to keep considering him a prospect. His play hasn't been awful, but staying in the Swedish AHL 2+ years after being drafted his odds aren't great.
Thats where everyone stands. To start everyone off for the season we've caught up with everyone who hasn't caught on in the North American pros yet. Consider it a stepping stone to discussion.
