{"id":1380,"date":"2016-09-18T22:45:12","date_gmt":"2016-09-19T02:45:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/?p=1380"},"modified":"2016-09-22T09:02:41","modified_gmt":"2016-09-22T13:02:41","slug":"brooks-laich-mentoring-maple-leafs-rookies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2016\/09\/18\/brooks-laich-mentoring-maple-leafs-rookies\/","title":{"rendered":"Brooks Laich Mentoring Maple Leafs Rookies"},"content":{"rendered":"

At first glance,\u00a0it looked like Lou Lamoriello<\/strong> was only targeting picks and prospects when he sent\u00a0Daniel Winnik<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>and a 2016 fifth-round pick over to the\u00a0Washington Capitals <\/strong>before last year’s trade deadline. In return, the\u00a0Toronto Maple Leafs\u00a0<\/strong>received defenseman prospect\u00a0Connor Carrick<\/a><\/strong>, Washington’s 2016 second-round pick and veteran forward\u00a0Brooks Laich<\/a><\/strong>. For a team that’s in the midst of a\u00a0rebuild, Carrick, and a draft\u00a0selection adds value to the Maple Leafs future. However, at the time of the deal, acquiring Laich seemed like nothing more than a salary dump for the Capitals. The 11-year veteran’s cap hit is $4.5 million and isn’t producing nearly as close as he used to, but his presence could help the younger Maple Leafs\u00a0get comfortable in the\u00a0NHL<\/strong><\/a>. For the 2016-17 season, look for Laich to\u00a0mentor the Maple Leafs\u00a0rookies.<\/p>\n

Following the trade deadline, Laich managed to put up seven points in 21 games with Toronto. He played a bottom-six role while mentoring the younger players during their time of coming up from the minors. Laich hasn’t forgotten to take them under his wing during the off-season.<\/p>\n

Brooks Laich<\/a> Mentoring Maple Leafs Rookies<\/h3>\n

https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/BKRv1pfhU_k\/?taken-by=brookslaich&hl=en<\/p>\n

In the photo above,\u00a0Kasperi Kapanen<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0William Nylander<\/a><\/strong> are seen with Laich, posing for a picture while supposedly watching Dancing with the Stars.<\/p>\n

It’s safe to assume Nylander will be on the Maple Leafs roster come opening night. His father, Michael Nylander<\/a><\/strong>, played with Laich for two seasons.\u00a0As for Kapanen, his father, Sami Kapanen<\/a><\/strong>, played against Laich\u00a0in the Eastern Conference\u00a0for a few seasons. Both William and Kasperi are familiar with the 33-year old forward, who plans on continuing his mentorship in the Maple Leafs dressing room.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/BKf_X4HBHGV\/?taken-by=brookslaich&hl=en<\/p>\n

Once again, we see here that Laich is connecting with Connor Carrick<\/a>. These two may have a stronger connection thanks to\u00a0their time in the Capitals organization, but the relationship has carried on north of the border.<\/p>\n

Laich has always demonstrated interest towards playing a “big brother” role for the younger generation. Growing up in Saskatchewan, Laich was the middle child who developed into a role model\u00a0for his younger brother<\/a>. Now that both of them have grown up, Laich seeks to help and support new players to Toronto and easing them into the league.<\/p>\n

What’s Next<\/h3>\n

One of Laich’s next task is\u00a0Auston Matthews<\/strong>. The 19-year old already has an understanding playing with men; his resume shows no shortage of valuable experience. By playing in the Swiss National League<\/strong>, the World Championships<\/strong>, and now the World Cup of Hockey<\/strong>, Matthews is more than prepared to enter the NHL. But learning curves are inevitable to the best of the best. That’s where Laich will step in.<\/p>\n

Mitch Marner<\/strong> should be the biggest challenge for Laich. The fourth-overall pick in 2015 doesn’t have the size of\u00a0Matthews and has been dominating the\u00a0OHL<\/strong> for the past few seasons. Marner boasts a tremendous amount of skill, but playing against men after spending years skating around boys will be a steep mountain to climb. Marner can be a star in the NHL with his speed and skill, but learning a thing or two from a veteran can be useful as a rookie.<\/p>\n

In sports, the coach is supposed to push the players, often correcting their wrongdoings. Seasoned veterans are the most knowledgeable players in a system. Laich will\u00a0be the one the rookies will look up to for this year. Regardless if his production is lacking during the season, it’s not a lost cause to have him spread his knowledge to the\u00a0locker room freshmen.<\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n