Toronto Maple Leafs Find the Kids Are Alright!

The Toronto Maple Leafs rookie tournament commenced in London, Ontario on Saturday night with the Maple Leafs rookies facing the Chicago Blackhawks rookies.

It’s often tough to measure a player’s ability at these tournaments, but given the Leafs' strong play for most of the game, it appears as if the Leafs' stable of prospects has more than a few gems in the fold.

Given all attention he has received over the summer, many of the eyes in attendance were on Nazem Kadri, who did not disappoint on the evening, laying out a number of hits and playing a spirited offensive game.

Greg McKegg (drafted 62nd overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft) had an impressive game, scoring once and adding an assist. His offensive flare and creativity was outstanding on Saturday night, with Mckeeg earning first star bragging rights on the night.

Jerry D’Amigo (drafted 158th overall, 2009), Simon Gysbers, Sondre Olden (Drafted 79th overall, 2010), Brad Ross (Drafted 43rd overall, 20110) and Kenny Ryan (Drafted 50th overall, 2009) also notched goals for the Leafs, while David Gilbert, Kyle Beach, and Jeremy Morin scored for the Blackhawks, for a final score of 6-3.

Jussi Rynnas, signed by Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke back in April, started in goal for the Maple Leafs, making 31 saves on the night, including a few of the spectacular variety.

The Leafs power play, which sputtered along at a 14 percent success rate last season scored three times, which, if nothing else, gives Leafs fans hope for the future.

Overall it was a good showing for the Leafs prospects.

The Maple Leafs face the Pittsburgh Penguins rookies on Sunday night in London.