Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 Players To Watch At The Rookie Tournament

Nazem Kadri, Jerry D'Amigo and Marcel Mueller are the three Toronto players likely to make a splash at the rookie tournament this week in London, ON.

Marcel Mueller may be the biggest surprise too many people watching the tournament as he is largely an unknown in North America.  Mueller had 56 points in 53 games with 100 penalty minutes playing for the DEL in Germany. "Marcel is a projected top six winger," Burke said. "He has great hands and mobility for a big man. He's a late bloomer and will likely need time with the Marlies."  Mueller considers himself a power forward.  Burke coveted Mueller so much that he made a special trip over to Cologne Germany to convince Mueller to sign with Toronto.  Other NHL teams were in the running, but only Burke made the trip to meet face to face with Mueller.  Mueller's chance to make the Leafs will begin with his play in this tournament.  He should be an exciting player to watch.

Jerry D'Amigo has shot to fame after matching Taylor Hall's point performance at the World Junior Championship.  Having had a chance to watch Taylor Hall practicing with The Kingston Voyageurs last week, I'm far less impressed with Taylor Hall and far more impressed by D'Amigo from what I have seen.  The transition of D'Amigo over the past nine months has been nothing short of phenomenal.  D'Amigo is 6'0" and 210 lbs, which makes him larger than Kadri.  D'Amigo certainly will have a lot to prove at the rookie tournament but I wouldn't be surprised if he turns out being the tournament's point leader.   If he does come out as the point leader, he'll likely be dressing as a Leaf this season.

Nazem Kadri is probably the most likely to perform as expected or better.  Many people consider Kadri and risk and too small to play in the NHL.  However, Kadri is likely to be the largest centre on the Leafs (though Bozak is rumoured to have beefed up over the summer), so size shouldn't be a factor.  Kadri will likely see both Mueller and D'Amigo on his left side which should help Kadri attain some points.  Kadri will need a very strong showing in the rookie tournament if he hopes to be a Leaf.   No doubt the Leafs will experiment with the chemistry of Kadri and D'Amigo as line mates during this camp to see if it may roll over to the Leafs.  No doubts Kadri will have a strong tournament.

Watching these three players at the tournament should bring a little excitement and joy to Leafs fans.