

The Good: Nikolai Kulemin (44th overall, 2006) – Toronto snapped up the talented Russian when a lot of other teams in the league would have shied away fearing the lure of the KHL. However, Kulemin played two more seasons in the Russia then joined the Leafs in 2008-09, scored 31 points as a rookie and added 36 more this past season. That’s pretty decent contribution from a second round pick let alone one that took some bravery to make.
The Bad: Jiri Tlusty (13th overall, 2006) – As it has played out, taking Tlusty at that point of the 2006 draft wasn’t great but it wasn’t as bad as some other teams made out that year. The Leafs got 74 NHL games out of the Czech forward but only 20 points. He might be remembered more in Toronto for his naked self photography than anything else. He was dealt to Caroline in 2009-10.
The Unknown: Mikhail Stefanovich (98th overall, 2008) – By all accounts the Belarusian is blessed with talents most players can only wish for. Unfortunately, Stefanovich’s work ethic has come under fire during his 3-year QMJHL career with the Quebec Remparts. Part of that may be the same thing that Kadri went through; a NHL hangover. He scored 25 goals with the Remparts last season but that was a huge drop off from the 49 that he potted in 2008-09. He is signed and ready to start his professional career but whether that’s in the NHL or on the farm still remains to be seen.

Draft Trends: There was a time when Toronto took a lot of Europeans but that seems to have come to an end under Brian Burke. Last year all 7 picks were North Americans and even in 2008 where the team did take a German and a Belarusian, both were expected to play in the CHL (Jerome Flaake didn’t and was not signed by the team). Burke has a terrific amount of respect for the US-NTDP and chose two players from the U18 squad last year.
2010 Prediction 62nd overall:

Freddie Hamilton (Niagara) – The IceDogs forward doubled his offensive production from his rookie campaign and ended this past season with 25 goals and 55 points. With both parents being former Olympians, Hamilton clearly comes loaded with sport genetics. Aside from his natural athletic prowess, Hamilton is also a dynamo academically boasting a 99.5% average in school.
2 comments:
"think in goalie prospects"
worth noting that Toronto hasn't wasted time strengthening that position so far this offseason.
They signed both Ben Scrivens and Jussi Rynnas.
Scrivens, from Cornell University was named the top goalie in the ECAC conference last year and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker.
Rynnas, meanwhile had the top save percentage in SM-Liiga last year while playing for Assat.
Both were signed as free agents and were thought to be among the top goalies available.
When coupled with Francois Allaire's influence, this shores up any weakness Toronto might have very quickly.
Thanks Forbesy, we know Scrivens very well. Serves me right for using HF's team page as a reference for prospect depth chart I guess eh?
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