Toronto Maple Leafs: Rookie Camp Fuels Debate

Entering the Toronto Maple Leafs rookie camp, several players were under the microscope from management and fans.

Nazem Kadri—the Leafs’ Messiah in waiting, and Jerry D’Amigo were under the most scrutiny as many Maple Leafs fans believe that both these youngsters have the best shot at cracking the big clubs lineup come October.

With three games at the rookie tournament behind them, several players have emerged as what many believe will evolve into special players.

D’Amigo showed a lot of drive and passion in all three games and, with a little luck, may crack the Leafs lineup before long. Kadri—who was very physical throughout the tournament— has played well, but has been criticized for his individual play and lack of scoring thus far.

On defense, Simon Gysbers (who stands 6’4” and weighs in at 200 pounds) was solid throughout the rookie tournament, showing glimpses of what promises to be a long NHL career if he continues to develop. Jesse Blacker also looked solid, but, like Gysbers, appears to need some seasoning before he will get a serious look from the big club.

Between the pipes, Jussi Rynnas, Ben Scrivens. and Andrew Engelage all looked pretty solid, with Rynnas probably emerging as the most impressive.

What all of these youngsters are lacking is NHL experience, which many of these kids will get a sniff of come training camp.

Leafs fans should get their first look at highly-touted defenseman Keith Aulie at training camp. Nursing an injury, Aulie was left out of the rookie tournament as a precaution. At 6’5” and 217 pounds, Aulie already has NHL size and, if he can put it all together, could be up with the big club before long.

Greg McKegg’s first game effort, Brayden Irwin’s size, Brad Ross’s tenacity and surprising offensive instincts and Kenny Ryan’s , gave Maple Leaf fans something to look forward to in the future.

But that’s the thing about rookie camps, isn’t it? It’s all about hope for the future.

Outside of Kadri (who may emerge as more of a set-up man than people first thought) and D’Amigo (an incredible skater) very few of these kids have a legitimate chance at cracking the Maple Leafs 2010-11 lineup. But we can dream of a brighter tomorrow, right?

As is always the case, the rookie tournament has already caused much debate, with many Leaf fans planning the Stanley Cup parade based on the three games, which, (and I hate to rain on everyone’s parade) the rookie Leafs managed just one win in three games.

The next step is to see how these kids perform amongst the Leafs veterans and opposing NHL forwards. There is still plenty of time to impress, hopefully one of Kadri, D’Amigo or others emerge as NHL-ready forwards and satisfy the Maple Leafs need for more scoring up front.

There is a long way to go for these rookies, the reality is, regardless of what they may have accomplished at the rookie tournament, they have just begun the fight.

Until next time.

Peace!