The Leaf Blog: Updates On Some Notable Prospects

Here’s a brief update of some notable Leaf prospects:

A Kadr-eam Come True?

Leaf fans should really be keeping an eye on Nazem Kadri, considering he is the franchise’s only non-professional first round pick developing anywhere in junior hockey. It’s been repeated by various Toronto hockey media outlets that Nazem “isn’t exactly lighting it up” with the London Knights, but as of late the gifted centre has in fact accelerated his scoring pace.

In 12 October games, Nazem recorded 12 points, while so far in 8 November games he’s potted 10 points. It doesn’t seem like a tremendous difference, but when you compare his points-per-game average in October vs. in November, his October totals over a full 68-game season would equate to 68 points, while the November pace would equate to 85 points over an entire campaign. He recently enjoyed a three assist night with Brian Burke in attendance.

Kadri has also taken over the team scoring lead for the first time this season. This isn’t a pleasant surprise, but more of an “it’s about time” milestone for number 91. The expectations surrounding him are high for a number of reasons, two of the biggest being the 100-point bar Ron Wilson set for Nazem in a pre-season interview, and the simple fact of belonging to an organization with a hungry fan-base, and the perceived need for prospects to step in and contribute as soon as possible.

Marlies Posting Some Numbers

After a short stretch with few standout offensive performances, the kids were scoring again as the Marlies thumped the Lake Erie Monsters 7-1 on Friday night. Most notable was Christian Hanson’s hat trick plus an assist, while Bozak and Tlusty had 3 helpers each, and Stalberg chipped in with a goal and an assist. Saturday night’s affair was a different story, as the Marlies returned home to host the Griffins and fell 6-3. Viktor Stalberg had 2 assists while Alex Foster potted a pair of goals.

Christian Hanson is now tied for second in AHL rookie scoring with 17 points in 17 games, while also leading the Marlies in points. Jiri Tlusty meanwhile has fallen below a point-per-game, with 13 points in 15 games. Perhaps his brief promotion to the Leafs has affected his motivation, as the big league stint only lasted two games, in which Jiri failed to get his name on the scoresheet. After scoring 66 points in 66 games last year, Tlusty should be aiming to better a point-per-game pace if he intends on elevating his status within the organization.

Needle In a Hayes Stack

Jimmy Hayes is developing nicely as a member of the Boston College Eagles in his sophomore year. Hayes, the 60th overall pick in 2008, has notched 4 goals and 5 assists for 9 points in 10 games thus far. Last year he played in 36 of 37 games for the Eagles, recording 13 points. He is already just four points behind equaling last year’s output, and is actually on pace to score 33 points — an impressive 20-point improvement from a year ago. Hayes towers at 6′5”, and will continue to fill out his 210 pound frame. He is speedy for a big man and has good hands around the net. This kid could turn into the prototypical Brian Burke winger. Hayes has pioneered once-unknown techniques for being awkward while interviewed.

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