Mixed bag for Leaf prospects at world juniors
Some of team’s young talents haven’t produced offence at rate they were expected to
HELSINKI— When the world junior hockey championships began there were great hopes in the Maple Leafs’ front office their five prospects would emerge as important players for their national teams.
But from the moment William Nylander (Sweden/Marlies) got knocked out of the tournament in the first period of his first game with a check to the head, things haven’t quite worked out as scripted.
Here’s a look at how the Leafs prospects are doing heading into the quarter-finals:
LW DMYTRO TIMASHOV
Sweden/Quebec Remparts
The canny, speedy winger was supposed to play with Nylander on Sweden’s top line, offering Leaf Nation a look at the future. Leaf fans were robbed of that opportunity when Nylander got hurt but Timashov hasn’t missed a beat. He has played on the first line, with Alex Nylander on the other wing and at centre. Timashov leads all Leaf prospects with two goals and three assists, tied for 10th in the tournament in scoring.
“I think I work pretty good and do the simple things,” said Timashov. “It has worked out.”
RW MITCH MARNER
Canada/London Knights
This was supposed to be a comingout party of sorts for Marner, who some say has all the skill of Connor McDavid. Marner seemed a bit overwhelmed at times, but elements of his playmaking have been on display, notably against Denmark and Sweden.
“I like the fact he was skating, and making plays and keeping it simple,” said coach Dave Lowry.
Marner has taken some heat, but is second on Team Canada in scoring with two goals and two assists. It hasn’t helped him that Lowry continually changes his linemates. Marner, however, won’t offer up that as an excuse, saying he demands more of himself.
“Everyone has more to prove out there,” said Marner. “I thought (against Sweden) I played more my game. I’m feeling more comfortable.”
RW KASPERI KAPANEN
Finland/Toronto Marlies
Kapanen might have been carrying the weight of Finland on him when the Leafs released him so he could play in the tournament. His numbers aren’t what was expected — just agoal and an assist to this point — but Finland’s firepower elsewhere has taken the heat off him.
“Obviously you want to score 100 goals, but I think I’ve had the chances,” said Kapanen.
“If I wasn’t getting chances, I’d be worried. I’m not at all worried about my game.”
Meanwhile, Kapanen has proven to be defensively sound, pleasing coach Jukka Jalonen.
“Overall, his play has been very good for us,” said Jalonen. “He’s working hard all the time, playing the body, and now he’s getting results.”
DTRAVIS DERMOTT
Canada/Erie Otters
One of the highest scoring and most dynamic defencemen in junior hockey, Dermott has been quiet with just two assists. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Dermott is one of the players asked to play a different role on Canada than he would on Erie. Lowry has asked him to play a “controlled” game, and Dermott has responded.
“He’s trying to play a responsible game and for him that might take away the offensive side,” said Lowry. “We can’t have guys playing reckless. He’s been responsible.” Dermott is enjoying the experience. “The coach has me doing a different role than I’m used to playing,” said Dermott. “Trying to do the best I can with it. It’s a fast game. Me skating the puck isn’t the best idea, so I do less than that and more passing the puck up.”