Joseph Duszak has signed a new contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Probably thinks he has a shot of making the team when Gardiner and Hainsey leave in off season

From what i read both he and Hollowell are possesing lot of skills and speed, but no size. Works in leagues they played till now but not in AHL and NHL. So my gues is they will end RWs in two years time, which will be what TML is all about in the moment, speed on the wings.....

RHD spots will be filled with Rasanen and Gordeev.

EDIT : was talking about AHL roster......mentioned names will hit NHL after 2022

But isn't it less common for relatively developed players to jump positions? I don't see 2 defensemen in their 20s doing that.. I could be wrong of course.

Perhaps the size thing won't be an issue since the game is changing slowly and by the time these guys roll around, it's better suited for them.

Big bodies are good but only if they're quick enough to seriously defend. A guy like Zadorov is an outlier and you could argue barely a top 4.

As for replacing Gards and Hains... Doubt kids can step in and do their jobs.

One of the best NCAA free agent signings in the last number of years was an undersized, offensive d-man - Torrey Krug. No guarantees with these players but they are prospects for free and sometimes the ones that don,t make the NHL at least make capable AHL players to strengthen organizational depth.

Correct. It happens but it's very uncommon.


If it was more common than Jake Gardiner would already be the Leafs best LW .... getting 60+ points a year, killing penalties and receiving Selke nominations.


I wish this was true.

Thats what many ppl cant overcome.....the "habit blinders"

Moneyballing requires a pair and a brains......

So he'll get paid 162K to play for the Marlies the next couple of seasons.

Theh arent even that small, the league is made up more and more of sub 6ft dmen its all about being able to transistion the puck and be strong positionally Dermott comes to mind on this. Hollowell Ive seen play and looks like there is a real chance to shine there. Rassanen needs to really reaĺly improve on skating if he has any hope of making it, which sucks cause he reads thr play well.

Wish the Leafs and Duszak well but gee the guy played didn't play at against top NCAA competition. He's at least one year in the AHL may many more. Some folks mentioned Krug being small. He may be a little short but to me he's always been strong on skates...man strength.