3 Maple Leafs rookies to watch

The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced their 28 roster for the Rookie Tournament to be held in London, Ontario. Three players will surely be under high-surveillance: William Nylander (8th overall, 2014), Frederik Gauthier (2013 21st overall) and Kasperi Kapanen (22nd overall, 2104 by Pittsburgh). Those three prospects will have the chance to prove themselves in order to earn a roster spot with the big team.

William Nylander: Nylander is probably the player with the most chance to start the year with the big club. Producing 32 points in 37 games with the Toronto Marlies, the Leafs' affiliated club in the American Hockey League, represent the future top center for the Leafs. Although he might not start the season at his center position, Nylander will definitely part of opening day roster in Toronto. His offensive upside are great and his production in the AHL came a bit as a surprise since Nylander came over Europe, playing on european ice sheets. Best prospect in this year's rookie roster.

Frederik Gauthier: When Gauthier was drafted, Leafs fans were shocked by the pick. Not an offensive powerhouse, Gauthier's two-way game is way above average. Producing at a rate of about one point per game in the QMJHL, Frederik might have to spend some time in the American Hockey League before making the jump to the NHL. His size will greatly help him to polish his game, but players trying to make the NHL with a good two-way game take usually a bit more time to adjust to the next level. He will see NHL action this year, but expect him to play most of next season with the Marlies.

Kasperi Kapanen: When Phil Kessel got traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Kasperi Kapanen was a major part of the deal. Since he played in the SM-Liiga, he represents the hardest case to evaluate from past performances. Kapanen is the player that needs this rookie tournament the most, in order to showcase himself to the team's new management group. He might start the season in Toronto if he has a good rookie tournament and a good training camp, but he does not represent a lock to start the season in the NHL.

The future is bright for Toronto, but development is the key, and for some players, it takes longer than others to make the step to the next level.

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Image courtesy Keystone Press

JW