02 Sep 2017 04:11:45
TOR: JVR, 2018 2nd round pick, Andrew Neilsen

WSH: Madison Bowey, Ilya Samsonov

Not sure on the evaluation. Give me your thoughts!


1.) 02 Sep 2017
02 Sep 2017 09:17:09
Neilsen is going to turn heads at camp. Leafs really want to see what they have I'm pretty sure they will sign polak.


2.) 02 Sep 2017
02 Sep 2017 17:06:37
Nielsen is a stud, not questioning that. But dermott is definitely a better defencemen in my opinion, more well rounded. And then we still have borgman and Rosen on the left side. It's a big log jam to have, and the problem is that they're all really close on making it to the NHL.


3.) 03 Sep 2017
02 Sep 2017 23:41:24
I agree Marques, it is a log jam on LD. Nielsen has some concerning defeciencies in his game that could hold him back but if he ever got his game more organized, he really could be a great D.
But, that being said Bowey projects to be good even with the attitude problems that have been noted, and a really good goalie prospect. Fills 2 needs for the Leafs.

Although at the end of the day I see the Leafs waiting to see what they got in camp and do their evaluations. Rosen and Borg will be the two watched the most I think.


4.) 03 Sep 2017
03 Sep 2017 10:04:49
Dbone

Nielsen has deficiencies at 20 years old insane

This group you sit and watch

Dermott
Neilsen
Lilgegren
Rasanen
JD greenway

Kapanan
Bracco
Brooks
Johnson
timashikov
Korshkov
Grundstrom
Lindberg
Gauthier

We don't know what these guys will be.


5.) 03 Sep 2017
03 Sep 2017 10:20:13
I forgot to include

Rosen
Borgman.


6.) 03 Sep 2017
03 Sep 2017 14:38:13
That's why I added if he can sort them out and organize his game. obviously every 20 year old has deficiencies. Some can be sure fire NHLers though, where as Nielsen I think has to improve on his D zone positioning and coverage to advance to the potential we all see him having.


7.) 03 Sep 2017
03 Sep 2017 17:12:26
Neilsen has to work on his skating in a manner similar to Gauthier accomplishments last year, to help address the deficiencies Dbone pointed out.

His shot, hitting, fighting, other physical play, and his reach are attributes that Dermott can never match.

Dermott doesn't beat out Borgman and Rosen who are similarly built, but more experienced players. Neilsen's size, aggressiveness, hitting are what the Leafs are currently missing, and the lack of which is noticeable in their drafting last June.

Neilsen has already had another summer to work on his skating. I'm betting the more experienced Borgman and Rosen get the call up's this year. I don't see Dermott getting the call over those two because he had half a good season. I like Dermott, but the Leafs need Neilsen more and he will be ready within a year.

The proof of concept, is in the Leafs pursuit of the tough Russian RHD Ozhiganov (Oz) . He's under KHL contract for 1 more year, unfortunately.

Amazing how well the D is starting to fill out so fast, compared to last year at this time.

Leafs top eight D this year:

Reilly, Hainsey (Obvious matchup to set Reilly free)
Gardiner, Zaitsev (Good as is)
Borgman, Carrick (This pairing will change over the year)
Marincin, Rosen

TO start, Carrick gets the nod over Rosen because of experience with the Leafs system and Liljegren is not included yet, but you never know. Marincin is traded before the deadline. Borgman, Rosen, Neilsen, Dermott, and Hainsey, all have more talent now, than he ever will. I'm surprised he isn't already gone.

Sadly, the only capable fighter above is Marincin and that's not saying much.

Next year;
Reilly, Liljegren ( Will really open up the ice for Reilly)
Neilsen, Zaitsev ( Space for Zaitsev, finally a point shot)
Borgman, Rosen ( Hainsey may push either one down for a year)
Dermott, Carrick ( Carrick gets traded, Oz signs. )

I expect Gardiner to be moved after this seasons end. Not for his play (it has been great) ; but because the Leafs won't be able to afford him as a UFA in 2019. The cost of MM and N will require this.

Borgman will have to fight for his job over Dermott, and Carrick will lose his to Rosen who is versatile.

Only Reilly and Zaitsev will remain at the end of that season ( in two years ) from last years top six.

In 3 years, Leafs put a tree on RHD (Rasanen) .


8.) 03 Sep 2017
03 Sep 2017 18:02:02
Simply too much from the Leafs for two unproven players.


9.) 04 Sep 2017
04 Sep 2017 00:29:44
I think you're undervaluating dermott. He reminds me of the more physical Rielly. He's a very good well rounded defencemen who can hit and fight too. They used to call him T-Train back when he was with Erie. I think he'll be the one to make it out of camp personally. The kids an all around stud. Love him.