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Toronto Maple Leafs: Top 10 prospects entering 2019

By Dave Stevenson

LAVAL, QC - NOVEMBER 13: Look on Toronto Marlies defenceman Rasmus Sandin (8) at warm-up before the Toronto Marlies versus the Laval Rocket game on November 13, 2018, at Place Bell in Laval, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LAVAL, QC - NOVEMBER 13: Look on Toronto Marlies defenceman Rasmus Sandin (8) at warm-up before the Toronto Marlies versus the Laval Rocket game on November 13, 2018, at Place Bell in Laval, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Honorable Mentions

These are the players I considered, but ultimately left off this list.

Pierre Engvall is interesting because he’s a skilled, big forward. I like his tools, but he has yet to show he can use them all consistently. His hockey IQ probably isn’t good enough to make a consistent impact in the NHL. That said, Engvall is big (6’4″) and he has enough skill to stand out. So I think he’ll get a shot in the NHL.

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Yegor Koshkov has shown flashes of brilliance, but those flashes haven’t happened nearly enough. Injuries and situations beyond his control have hampered his development. He’ll be heading over to North America this season, most likely.

Joey Duszak is interesting. I’m not sure what to make of his college numbers, given how weak Mercyhurst’s conference is, but 47 points in 37 games is pretty impressive. Duszak’s defensive game isn’t nearly as good as his offensive game. He’s right-handed, so you know the Leafs are going to keep a close eye on him.

I didn’t get to see much of Mikhail Abramov last season, but everything I saw, I loved. A lot of people far smarter than me love him. I’ll make it a point to watch him more this season because he’s a ton of fun to watch with his skill and skating. Plus, I’m not going to lie, I am a sucker for undersized players. Can’t help but root for them, as I am one myself!

Justin Brazeau was the last guy I left off this list. At 6’6″ and 225 pounds, he’s huge. And Brazeau can skate as well. He’s got enough skill to stand out too. This makes him really fascinating. However, he has no success at the professional level, so I’m taking his success in the OHL (most of which came in the last two seasons as an overager). This season will be a critical one for Brazeau, as he’s joining the Toronto Marlies.

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