2011/2012 Wildcard Prospect?

[Bender]

So who's the Wildcard prospect for the Leafs this year? Are there any you think make the team right out of camp?

I hear Frattin's name come up a lot, but I didn't see the game in which he played.

 

[Nik]

Frattin's probably the safest bet. Either he or Caputi are the only guys I see maybe being a better fit with Bozak and Armstrong on the third line and pushing Kadri back to the Marlies. Other than that I think the line-up is pretty locked in.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Frattin's probably the safest bet. Either he or Caputi are the only guys I see maybe being a better fit with Bozak and Armstrong on the third line and pushing Kadri back to the Marlies. Other than that I think the line-up is pretty locked in.

Agreed. The only spot really open is that left-wing slot on the 3rd line and those 3 prospects you mentioned have the best chance at it. It would likely take an injury to a guy like Connolly or Gustavsson to see any other rookie make the team. If that happens, then Colborne or Scrivens could see themselves on the Maple Leafs.

If you're looking for wildcards though Marcel Mueller has an outside chance at stealing that spot away from those guys. He had an inconsistent year in the AHL but looked real good at times. Particularly in the handful of games he played late in the season when he returned from an injury. 

 

[maplesyrup]

I'ce got my eyes on Broll. Maybe it's me but I find the fact that a sixth round pick in this year's draft got signed so quickly rather intriguing.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

I'ce got my eyes on Broll. Maybe it's me but I find the fact that a sixth round pick in this year's draft got signed so quickly rather intriguing.

I'd be very surprised if he made the team. There could be a number of reasons Burke wanted to get him signed now instead of later on that we don't know about.

With that said, if Orr's head problems pop up again in training camp/pre-season Broll could find himself in a very interesting position.

 

[maplesyrup]

if Orr's head problems pop up again in training camp/pre-season Broll could find himself in a very interesting position.

He sure could... and I'll add that may believe Kadri shouldn't be with the club if he can't crack the top six. Maybe bump Brown up to 3rd line LW and put Broll out there as the 4th line LW? Anyway, it's a long-shot for sure but like I said, I think he's a guy worth keeping an eye on. 

 

[CarltonTheBear]

if Orr's head problems pop up again in training camp/pre-season Broll could find himself in a very interesting position.

He sure could... and I'll add that may believe Kadri shouldn't be with the club if he can't crack the top six. Maybe bump Brown up to 3rd line LW and put Broll out there as the 4th line LW? Anyway, it's a long-shot for sure but like I said, I think he's a guy worth keeping an eye on.

I'm as big of a Brown fan as the next guy, but if he's on the 3rd line it means a) we're in trouble and b) Brown won't be as effective as he can be. I said the exact same thing about Sjostrom this time last year. A good 4th liner typically makes for an average 3rd liner.

 

[moon111]

During a game if the team was in a funk, I'd insert Brown on any line just to get some energy going.