Maple Leafs May Have Two Rookies Ready Make the NHL Jump
Leafs Assistant GM Hayley Wickenheiser revealed that the Maple Leafs will be keeping a very close eye on two rookies with NHL aspirations come training camp.
As a handful of hopeful Maple Leafs prospects and potential future signees take part in the Leafs' five-day development camp that began earlier this week, there was one notable absence during on-ice sessions.
2023 first-round pick Easton Cowan was given an exemption from on-ice activities by the Leafs' brass after having played more than 100 games last season when adding the World Juniors and Memorial Cup to his schedule.
That being said, the Leafs and Wickenheiser have some lofty expectations for the Memorial Cup MVP.
"Time will tell. I guess that is the question we are all asking ourselves. The money is on him that he will be fit enough and prepared enough. The experience to be able to step in and play - we'll see very quickly when camp starts," said Wickenheiser ahead of the start of development camp.
Wickenheiser's comments indicate they expect Cowan to make an immediate impact when training camp opens in September.
In terms of 2024 first-round pick Ben Danford, who was not exempt from any activities, Wickenheiser also has high expectations for the bruising defenceman.
"Similar to Easton, Ben has continued to improve. The thing I have noticed is that his game is starting to calm down. He is a great skater. He moves as well as anyone on the ice here."
The 19-year-old Oshawa Generals captain is expected to remain in Toronto beyond development camp to train with the Leafs' development staff in the hopes of taking his game to the next level.
While Cowan is expected to push for a roster spot with the Leafs, Danford will likely head back to the OHL for his final season of eligibility, but will have all eyes on him when main camp begins, because he could be ready to make the jump as well.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 5 | 3601 ANSWERS Maple Leafs May Have Two Rookies Ready Make the NHL Jump Do you think Ben Danford is ready to make the jump to the NHL right away? | ||
| Yes | 1178 | 32.7 % |
| No | 2423 | 67.3 % |
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