Crack open the bubbly (Prospects Part II)

In this second part of our prospect outlook, we’re taking a gander at a few more of the Leafs best young guns and weighing their options. Like I said in the last post, a lot of these players have increased on previous seasons’ offensive output. It’s a good sign that these guys are improving, but is it enough to really be considered future NHL’ers? Obviously not for all of them, but some will eventually wear blue & white. This little segment will look at some guys with and without size issues who aren’t in the Kadri-ish class of sure fire NHL’ers. Wow, did that even make sense? Who cares. Let’s take a look,

Joel Champagne (Round 5, 2008 NHL Draft, 19th Overall)

Born: Jan 24, 1990 – Lasalle, Quebec

Tale of the tape: 6’4″, 220 pounds

An enormous center who still needs work on skating and his hands, Champagne is still considered a project by most scouts. Born in the same year as Nazem Kadri, there’s obviously no rush with this enormous forward. After spending four years in the QMJHL, expect Champagne to be invited to Leafs camp next year and likely suit up for the Marlies where he can start to develop his size against bigger opponents.

Splitting time with the PEI Rocket and Victoriaville Tigres this season, Champagne racked up a healthy 79 points over 65 games and was +8. When the playoffs rolled around, Champagne grabbed 13 points in 16 games but his Tigres were ousted by Saint John in the semi-finals in six. Again, here’s another prospect who will surely make a push for the Leafs in the next couple of years. He already has an NHL build, great face-off ability and really just needs to tighten up his overall skill set. Professional coaching can do that.

Phillipe Paradis (Round 1, 2009 NHL Draft, 27th Overall (CAR))

Born: Jan 2, 1991 – Normandin, QC

Tale of the tape: 6’2″, 205 pounds

Playing for the not-so-great Shawinigan Cataractes of the QMJHL, Paradis was only able to accumulate 44 points over 63 games, with a -4 rating. Earlier this season, this fairly large winger was handed over to the Leafs by the Carolina Hurricanes in a trade for the internet sensation Jiri Tlusty. Truthfully? I’d take my chances with Paradis. This guy has a great shot and good hockey sense, combined with size, grit and a bit of attitude (104 PIM this season). Like Champagne, some heavy work in the minors will surely be on his schedule before ever being considered for the Maple Leafs. However, born in 1991, Paradis is really only a youngster and there’s no need to rush him along yet. The trade by Burke to off-load Tlusty for this guy was small-scale genius.

Juraj Mikus (Round 5, 2007 NHL Draft, 134th Overall)

Born: Nov 30, 1988 – Trencin, Slovakia

Tale of the tape: 6’4″, 185 pounds

Just from reading the “Tale of the tape” you know exactly what scouts think of this guy; bulk up and fill out before any chance at the NHL. Mikus played a couple games with the big club this past pre-season, scoring a goal even. If he develops into his frame properly he could be a major asset for the blue & white in the future. In only his first pro season on North American ice, Mikus grabbed 23 points in 68 games with the Marlies, with a minus 13. The minus stat doesn’t really ring any alarms for me as the Marlies weren’t so great, going under .500 on the year and missing the playoffs. Another year or so of quality AHL time will do wonders for this guy and we might see him floating in and out of the six-spot with the big club in the not too distant future. It really depends what others around him can do, mainly Keith Aulie, another enormous defenseman looking to crack that juggernaut of Leafs D. But again, this type of competition throughout the organization can do nothing but help.

Matt Frattin (Round 4, 2007 NHL Draft, 99th Overall)

Born: Jan 3 1988 – Edmonton, ALB

Tale of the tape: 5’11, 185 pounds

Frattin had another solid outing this season at the University of North Dakota, racking up 11 goals and 19 points in 24 games. After a minor mishap last year in which Frattin got arrested and suspended for being a student, he’s avoided being arrested since (I think) and has continued his trek to becoming a Leaf, which translates into him becoming a Marlie in the foreseeable future. At only 5’11″, like any small prospect he’ll have to work a little extra to become an NHL’er. However, he’s known for his ability to post up in the slot and not shy away from the dirt. If he’s got any chance to become a Leaf, it will be as a versatile third/fourth line winger.

The prospect trilogy will conclude with a few names like Aulie, Blacker, Reimer and more.

Well, the ol’ Yotes have gone quietly into the night. Tonight will solidify the second round match-ups when Washington hopefully get their heads on straight against the Habs and quit making Halak look like a god.

In the West, the Sharks will face Detroit and Vancouver will try to shake off nightmares of Patrick Kane whistling backhands top cheddar when they look for redemption against the Blackhawks. I’m convinced that Roberto Luongo’s copy of NHL 10 has a picture of himself taped over the cover.

Early predictions: Sharks over Wings in six, Blackhawks over Canucks in seven.

Enjoy game seven!

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