Maple Leafs: Prospects set for the world championship
It’s not like a teenager drafted by the Maple Leafs hasn’t already attracted a lot of attention, but all eyes will be on Team Canada goalie Ian Scott when the world junior hockey championship starts on Boxing Day.
“The atmosphere will be pretty surreal,” said Scott, one of two goalies on the Canadian roster for the junior showcase in Vancouver and Victoria. “It’s a great opportunity to represent your country.”
Scott is one of four Leafs prospects set to suit up for the 10-team tournament. There could have been a half-dozen, but Marlies defenceman Timothy Liljegren suffered a high ankle sprain and was ruled out this past week, while blueliner Eemeli Rasanen — who played for Finland last year — missed part of Jokerit’s KHL season and wasn’t selected.
Sweden will have two: defenceman Rasmus Sandin (drafted 29th overall by the Leafs in June) and winger Pontus Holmberg (a 2018 sixth-rounder). Winger Filip Kral, a fifth-round pick this year, will suit up for the Czechs.
The experience is good for the evolution of a prospect’s game, says Scott Pellerin, the Leafs’ director of player development.
“There are so many different aspects of the tournament that help developmentwise,” Pellerin said. “Mentally, to be able to prepare in a high-pressure situation, that is so valuable. The other pieces like representing your country, and maybe playing a different role that you’re not used to, and dealing with some of that adversity — that’s crucial.”
Here’s Pellerin’s take on the Leafs’ tourney-bound foursome:
PONTUS HOLMBERG, 19
Forward, Sweden Five-foot-10, 176 pounds Vaxjo HC 3 goals, 4 assists, plus-1
Pellerin: “He was injured for development camp. We’re really excited about him. He’s doing very well this season. For us, it’s an opportunity to see him against his peers, to see where he’s at.”
IAN SCOTT, 19
Goalie, Canada Six-foot-three, 168 pounds Prince Albert Raiders 23-2-1, 1.61 GAA, .943 SV
Pellerin: “Last year, he had an OK season. But this year, (after) he came to us and joined the Marlies for two months — being around the team, working with our goalie coaches, and he played a game down the stretch ... (it) elevated his game to where it is right now.”
RASMUS SANDIN, 18
Defenceman, Sweden Five-foot-11, 183 pounds Toronto Marlies 5 goals, 5 assists, minus-4
Pellerin: “The process of his development has been outstanding. He’s really shone for us. He’s been an impact player with the Marlies, fit in well with the team. There were games where he did things out there that make you forget how young he actually is.”
FILIP KRAL, 19
Winger, Czech Republic Six-foot-one, 171 pounds Spokane Chiefs Three goals, four assists, plus-3
Pellerin: “With him, he had an injury. Missed the start of the season. He’s 100 per cent now. What I like about him is his maturity, his communication skills. He’s got an unbelievable shot. His skating ability and his deception are off the charts. I’m really excited about this kid. We have a really good player here.”