Tough act to follow for Leaf prospects
No Nylander or Marner, but Bracco and Woll worth watching in spotlight
As far as the world junior championship goes, the Toronto Maple Leafs may never have another one quite as big as last year’s in Helsinki.
For the Leafs this time, it’s goalie Joseph Woll (Boston College) and forward Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers) on the American team, forward Martins Dzierkals (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies) with Latvia, forward Carl Grundstrom (Frolunda HC) for Sweden and forward Nikita Korostelyov (Sarnia Sting) for Russia.
“You want to see your players be the best player on his team,” said Maple Leafs assistant GM Mark Hunter, responsible for drafting those five players. “The tournament is a higher calibre than junior and college.”
Last year, Leafs prospects pretty much stole the show:
Kasperi Kapanen scored the golden goal in overtime in his Finnish homeland, beating the hated Russians.
William Nylander suffered a concussion in the opener, sinking Sweden’s hopes.
Mitch Marner worked his magic for Team Canada.
Dmytro Timashov (Sweden) and Travis Dermott (Canada) did what they could for their teams.
And all eyes, of course, were on Auston Matthews — not yet a Leaf — working wonders for Team USA and ex-Leaf coach Ron Wilson heaping praise on the American.
This year in Toronto and Montreal, the Leafs don’t have the biggest names going — Matthews and Marner are still eligible but, of course, unavailable — but assistant Hunter will have his eyes on the handful who will be there.
“You’re always hoping more will make it,” said Hunter. “Some coaches want role players. It takes differ- ent kinds of players to sort out a team.”
Bracco, a second-round pick from 2015, has exploded with the Rangers. He has 17 goals and 34 assists in 27 OHL games this season and seems to have won favour with U.S. coach Bob Motzko. He’s been skating with Providence College’s Erik Foley (Winnipeg Jets) and Windsor’s Logan Brown (Ottawa Senators).
“It will be interesting to see how he adapts to getting things done on the ice,” Hunter said of Bracco. “We all know he can get power-play points. He’s exceptional on the power play. Now he’s got to get things done fiveon-five against tough competition.”
Woll, picked 62nd overall last summer, is one of three goalies on the U.S. roster. He’s 10-6-1 in college with a 2.51 goals-against average and .917 save percentage.
“He’s playing very well, having a great season,” said Hunter.
Dzierkals, an undersized winger chosen in the third round in 2015, will probably be Latvia’s most impor- tant forward. He has 27 points in 22 games in the QMJHL.
“He’ll be their catalyst,” said Hunter. “For them to be successful, he has to get it done. He plays a fast game, which should be good for this tournament.”
Grundstrom, a second-round pick in 2016, is one of Sweden’s alternate captains, always a good sign of character in a young player and a positive note for the Leafs. He’s been playing in Sweden’s top league with 11 goals and two assists in 27 games.
“Hopefully he can be the guy who’ll be the difference maker for Sweden,” said Hunter. “His goal scoring has come to another level. His shot has looked really good.”
Korostelyov has lived in Canada since 2014, but yearns to represent Russia. He has 34 points in 29 games for the Sting.
“He’s been more consistent,” said Hunter. “His skating has improved. He needs a big tournament, and hopefully he can bring that to the table.”