McKegg, Ross Shine in Respective Debuts

The Leafs top two picks from this past June's NHL Entry Draft earned weekly honours for their outstanding play during the first week of the junior hockey season.

Greg McKegg of the Erie Otters was named the Ontario Hockey League player of the week (September 27th to October 3rd) after posting 3 goals and 4 assists, along with a +2 rating, in 7 games with Erie.

Leafs 2010 second round pick (43rd overall) Brad Ross was named the Western Hockey League player of the week after scoring 5 goals and 1 assist, along with a +6 rating, in 4 games with the Portland Winterhawks.

Toronto's seventh round pick in 2010, Josh Nicholls, has gotten off to a strong start with the WHL's Saskatoon Blades, with 10 points in his first 6 games. The 6-foot-2, 170-pound centre is flourishing in his new role with the Blades.

Final Rookie Camp Thoughts

The Leafs official training camp is already underway, but I wanted to post my final thoughts on the annual Rookie Tournament that took place last weekend.

• Jussi Rynnas has a very projectable frame and covers a substantial amount of the net. His lateral movement and positioning are his key assets. Look for him to earn a few call ups to the Leafs this season.
• Ben Scrivens is also a sizeable goaltender who impressed with a sound butterfly style in his only appearance. He still needs at least one season in the minor leagues.
• Andrew Engelage had a tough break against the Ottawa Senators in the Leafs final game of the tournament. Looks like a future number one goaltender in the AHL.
• Jesse Blacker was one of the Leafs best defenseman and impressed me with his outstanding work ethic and puck moving skills.
• Simon Gysbers and Korbinian Holzer will both play in the AHL next season, but are potential top four studs in the NHL down the road. Both have great size.
• Former seventh round pick Barron Smith is a project but a potential steal from the later rounds. Has raw skills and willing to get physical in the corners.
• Drew Paris drew some attention as a tryout player.
• Brad Ross is the next coming of Darcy Tucker. Skill, grit and heart.
• Dale Mitchell and Sam Carrick both had good speed and weren't afraid to drop the mitts.
• Newly signed Marcel Mueller and late round pick Sondre Olden remind me of Viktor Stalberg and both could get a shot at a top nine role for Toronto in the future.
• Greg McKegg and Jerry D'Amigo are both only one year away from full time roles in the NHL.
• Brayden Irwin owns a big league shot, but his skating deficiencies with limit him from making an impact with the Leafs.
• Hate to say it, but Mike Liambas is an effective fighter and deserves a shot in the AHL or ECHL. Challenged Jay Rosehill to a fight in the Leafs main camp.
• Finally, Nazem Kadri showed flashes of brilliance but didn't dominate play. Possibly he was giving a sneak peek of what he would display at the Leafs official training camp.

Let the games begin!