With the 2017 World Juniors preliminary stage almost over, fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs have had a lot to be excited about. Yes, the rookies on the Maple Leafs are making a promising impact for Toronto hockey, but this is about the next wave of players you will be seeing wearing a Maple Leaf in a few years down the road.
This year, hockey fans in Toronto have an excuse to support more nations besides just Canada. Let’s take a look at the players in the Leafs system.
Carl Grundstrom
Carl Grundstrom was one of the key players taken by the Maple Leafs who wasn’t an overager. Through just two games on a built Swedish team, the 19 year-old has one goal and three assists, including this nifty assist.
Dahlen finishes a great rush by Grundstrom. 3-0 Sweden pic.twitter.com/pzYzHMQG3K
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) December 26, 2016
Grundstrom’s playmaking skills have been on display all tournament long and he’s just one of the reasons why Sweden is a dominant team in the tournament this year.
When the 57th overall pick in 2016 isn’t representing his home team, he’s playing for Frolunda HC in the SHL. Through 27 games he’s collected 13 points, 11 of which are goals.
Jeremy Bracco
Jeremy Bracco is arguably the most anticipated Leafs prospect out of the four that are playing in the tournament. Despite just having this goal and five shots on goal to his stat line, Bracco’s stock likely won’t drop if he doesn’t produce as well as other American players. Bracco is known for his playmaking ability and with 34 assists through 27 games with the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers, the 19 year-old winger will continue to be an impact performer for his team despite having a cold start to the tournament.
In fact, Bracco had a 26-game point streak that was cut short right before the tournament began. Look for that kind of offensive production to keep itself going in the New Year.
Martins Dzierkals
Perhaps the most entertaining and interesting player to watch, Martins Dzierkals has just one assist through two games on a subpar Latvian team. Dzierkals was drafted 68th overall by the Leafs in 2015 and is currently playing in the QMJHL for Rouyn-Noranda. There, he has 27 points in 22 games played, respectable production.
What makes Dzierkals fun to watch is how shifty and quick he is. He has the agility and the speed to make it difficult for defenders to read the play.
Balcers gets creative with a great toe drag before scoring Latvia's first of the game. @CanadianTire #BigPlay https://t.co/JLvAqi0ZFz pic.twitter.com/u5D0e74NC6
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 27, 2016
Not only is he a fun player to watch but his interview performance is on point.
Joseph Woll
Joseph Woll was the only goalie drafted by Toronto in last year’s draft, taken 62nd overall, just a few spots after Grundstrom. The American netminder has only appeared in one game for team USA, getting the win against Slovakia.
The 18 year-old goalie regularly plays for Boston College in the NCAA as a freshman with 17 starts this season. Woll sits in the top 20 in save-percentage for goalies with a minimum of 10 games played. Not too bad for a freshman. As one of the few goalie prospects Toronto has, keep an eye out for Woll in years to come.
Through the tournaments early goings Leafs prospects are shining. Toronto fans can only hope the best is yet to come.
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