The Germans Are Coming!

I have posted many comments regarding these two Leafs rookies, predicted lines with them and this past week was exciting to watch them in the Leafs rookie tournament. I have to say “The Germans Are Coming!”

These two rookies have put on an exciting performance, which Col. Wilhelm Klink from Hogan’s Heroes will be proud of. The Germans that I’m talking about are Leafs rookies Korbinian Holzer and Marcel Mueller. They are in my opinion this year’s sleeper pick to make the big club.

Mueller at 6’3, 220 pounds and 22yrs old has shown in the rookie tournament he can be a power forward that the Leafs needs, since Roberts played last.  At the age of 18, playing amongst men in the DEL league last year, Mueller had a break out year with 24 goals, 32 assists for 56 points in 53 games and 100 penalty minutes, which shows a bit of a mean streak. What has been impressive about Mueller is his great hockey sense, speed and can lay the body. Mueller in his first game had 4 hits on one shift and played the whole game with an aggressive style. Mueller sat out in the second game and in the third game Mueller showed his hockey sense. The whole game Mueller showed great positioning and an excellent passing game. When Holzer attacked in the offensive zone Mueller played Holzer’s position and gave Holzer some great passes, which goes way back to their playing days on the National German team. Finally, the 9.5 out of 10 dive that Mueller took to give the Leafs a power play opportunity shows a creative side as well.

Holzer at 6’3 203 pound and 22yr old has shown he can be our next offensive defenceman if and when Kaberle is no longer with the Leafs. It’s been reported that Holzer plays a similar style of game as Carl Gunnarsson and also draws comparisons to Willie Mitchell for his truculent. During the tournament Holzer showed he is a calm and steady type of player. Also, Holzer did not back down from any of the oppositions and layed some good hits. Like Mueller, Holzer had been playing the DEL league at the age of 18 and played on the National German team where he received many praises. Last year was Holzer’s break out year too with 6 goals, 16 assists for 22 points in 52 games and 96 penalty minutes. Holzer is known to be a physical force in front of the net and can drop the gloves when necessary. I personally don’t think Holzer is afraid going into the corners and mixing it up. This is exactly what Double B. and Wilson are looking for in players. That being said, Holzer is a smooth skater who makes a smart first pass, hardly taking unnecessary risks with the puck.

With the good there is the Bad...

The Leafs are deep in the defence department, which Holzer needs to make an exceptional lasting impression for Wilson to keep him on the big club. Also, scouts reported that Holzer possesses a great point shot, which he does not use often and was evidenced in the rookie tournament. Hopefully Holzer corrects this flaw, otherwise Leafs fan will jeer him during the power play, Just ask Kaberle!

For all the talent Mueller comprises, scouts reported that Mueller needs to work on his temper. It was evidenced when Mueller was heading to the bench and gave a Senators player skating by a slash and received a two minute penalty.

Finally, both players are lacking of playing a full North American season, which often takes a toll on European players in their first season in the NHL.

What I like about both players is that they are rookies and not. Mueller and Holzer were impressive on the international stage with strong showing on the German National team for the Olympics and World Hockey Championship. They displayed strong puck ability and willingness to drive to the net. Muller and Holzer at 22yrs with professional skillset, years of experience against high level completion in the DEL league and internationally starting at the age of 18 can be placed in a position to play in the NHL sooner than later.

Question is... Can they take their game to the next level?