Top Ten Leafs Prospects

This year’s crop of prospects features some tremendously talented players that are bound for productive NHL seasons.

Taking a closer look at ten of the best that the Leafs have to offer:

1. Luke Schenn, D (Kelowna Rockets)

This big bruising defence man is Toronto's Crown Jewel. Nick named the "human eraser" by TSN's Pierre McGuire, Luke will be a shut down, nasty in your face, natural born leader for the leafs for many years to come. Unfortunately, because of the log jam the leafs have on defence Luke will only get a taste of the NHL this season and be returned to the Rockets. Cornerstone prospect and future captain.

2. Nikolai Kulemin, LW (Magnitogorsk, Russia)

at 6'0" and 200ibs Kulemin is an extremely effective player. Having blazing speed, quick hands and release, Kulemin is a responsible two-way player that fore checks hard and has dangerous scoring ability. After spending years playing in Malkin's shadow in Magnitogorsk this could be his year to show what he can bring to the "show". Predicted to play on the leafs 2nd or 3rd line this season.

3. Justin Pogge, G (Toronto Marlies)

Justin has remarkably quick foot speed for a tall goalie, and handles the puck with the likes of Marty Turco or Martin Brodeur. After a up and down AHL rookie season Pogge put up big numbers in his second campaign. Due to the recent signing of Leaf fan favorite Curtis Joseph, Pogge will spend one more season as the number one guy with the Marlies before the jump to the NHL. Future number one goalie for the Leafs organization.

4. Mikhail Grabovski, LW (Montreal Canadians/Hamilton Bulldogs)

Mikhail ripped it up in the AHL last season scoring 8 goals and 20 points in just 12 games with the Bulldogs. Montreal called the 24 year old forward up where he played 24 games and collected just 9 points. Grabovski, has a smoothing skating stride, good vision and NHL caliber finishing skills. Many feel Grabovski has done all he can do in the AHL and will play on the 2nd or 3rd line of the Leafs this season.

5. Robbie Earl, LW (Toronto Marlies)

Earl does many of things well, He has good speed, strength, vision, shot release and tremendous heart. After two quality seasons in the AHL with 30 and 47 points, Earl got a chance to play with the big team last spring posting one assist in nine games. Known for his hard work, look for Earl to come to camp with one thing in mind, playing for the Leafs this season.

6. Staffan Kronwall, D (Toronto Marlies)

Kronwall has been in the Leafs system since 2002, and has only played in 52 NHL games. His most glaring asset is his tremendous size, 6'3" and 211ibs. Staffan is depended on to stay home and make the corners and the front of the net extremely uncomfortable places to be. While a decent straight line skater Kronwall needs to work on his lateral movement if he wants a steady spot on a NHL roster. Because of the amount of defence men in the Leafs system perhaps look for him to be traded or play another season with the Marlies.

7. Dmitri Vorobiev, D (Tolyatti Lada)

Dmitiri is a big defence man at 6'1" and 211ibs. He is a good skater for his size and rarely makes mistakes in his own end. Because of the log jam on defence Dmitri is an extreme long shot to make the big club, but the Leafs would love to have him playing for the Marlies.  

8. Jeremy Williams, RW (Toronto Marlies)

Jeremy was drafted in 2003, and has played 20 games with the Leafs, 18 of them last season. Williams is a great finisher, with a nose for the net, but needs to improve his skating. Look for Williams to play on the 4th line for the leafs or play one more season with the Marlies.

9. Tyler Ruegsegger, RW (University of Denver)

Tyler is a smaller guy at 5'11" 170ibs, but that has never stopped him from putting the puck in the net. If Tyler works on his skating he should make the NHL because he has tremendous vision and hockey sense. Look for Tyler to play two more seasons with Denver before he could be NHL ready.

10. Chris DiDomenico/Mikhail Stefanovich/Jimmy Hayes

While its very unlikely that any of these guys make the jump to the NHL this season, they are all looking to impress at camp this season. Keep an eye on these three guys over the next 12 months, as they could be ready to go next fall.

Honourable mention goes to Jiri Tlusty and Anton Stralman, who played most of last season with the Leafs. Both players should use the experienced along with more ice time this season to put up respectible numbers.