Leafs prospect Luke Haymes identifies two Maple Leafs who have helped his game the most
Leafs prospect Luke Haymes has identified the two Maple Leafs players who have helped his game the most at the beginning of his pro hockey career.
Luke Haymes is getting comfortable with professional hockey life after signing with the Toronto Marlies. The 21-year-old centre had six points in his first nine games with the Marlies following his exit from Dartmouth College last spring. That early taste of pro hockey helped him shift from "college star" to rookie pro mindset.
He spent the summer at the Toronto Maple Leafs' training facility in Etobicoke, staying sharp and preparing for a full season ahead. He got into three pre-season games, mostly against NHL lineups, and says "it was really good for me to see some pre-season action" - a boost that made training camp feel less like a shock.
Haymes told the Toronto Sun's Terry Koshan in a recent interview that he leaned on help from veterans like Scott Laughton and Bobby McMann to find his footing. Laughton gave him pointers on faceoffs and centre-ice reads, while McMann - another former ECAC player - offered insight about the jump from college to pro and the patience required to succeed.
Clearly, they have had a huge impact on his development.
The guidance they provided seems to be paying off even with a hiccup. An upper-body injury earlier this month slowed him down, yet he still managed six points (one goal, five assists) in 14 games ahead of a recent clash with the Providence Bruins.
Haymes shifting gears from NCAA to AHL
It's a big change going from being a main point producer at Dartmouth - where he potted 54 points in his final two seasons - to earning his stripes among pro veterans.
Haymes admits that the adjustment has been "definitely a change." He's focusing on defensive reliability, strong play in the zone, and sharpening his faceoff game while waiting for a chance to produce offensively.
If he continues to work hard and absorb what Laughton, McMann and others teach him, Haymes has a shot at carving out a steady pro role -- perhaps even a successful NHL career.
His first months as a Marlie suggest he understands that a quick progression won't come overnight. He's willing to put in the work.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 27 | 763 ANSWERS Leafs prospect Luke Haymes identifies two Maple Leafs who have helped his game the most Do you think Luke Haymes becomes a regular contributor for the Marlies this season? | ||
| Yes | 461 | 60.4 % |
| No | 121 | 15.9 % |
| Maybe soon | 92 | 12.1 % |
| Too early | 89 | 11.7 % |
| List of polls | ||