Leafs announce several intriguing rookie tournament and camp invites; we may very well see some ELCs signed soon
On Thursday, the annual Traverse City Rookie Tournament begins in Michigan where a handful of rookies will dawn the blue and white in the hopes of leaving a strong impression on the Leafs' development staff. The hope is to garner an invite to training camp which opens up next Wednesday and get one step closer to realizing their dreams of playing in the NHL.
The Leafs announced they have invited 18-year-old Pano Fimis to training camp and that he will participate in the tournament as well. Fimis is a 2020 second overall pick of the OHL's Niagara Ice Dogs who completed his rookie season last year. He posted 14 goals and 44 points in 54 games for the Ice Dogs. Following the 2022 NHL Draft, Fimis was invited to the Leafs' Rookie Development Camp where he impressed Leaf staff. The 5'10, 175 pound centerman is a two-way player with good vision and a solid off-puck game and has the potential to develop into a reliable middle-six forward according to Dobber Prospects.
Should Fimis impress again at the tournament and training camp, there is a good chance he will earn himself an entry-level deal with the Leafs. Since he plays in the OHL, should he earn the contract, it will thankfully not count against the NHL's team limit of 50 standard player contracts.
The Leafs also invited London Knights center Sean McGurn to training camp. In 66 games with the OHL's Knights last season, McGurn put up 20 goals and 73 points. McGurn also previously attended the Leafs' Summer Development Camp.
Another prospect that was invited who may also turn some heads is Hamilton Bulldogs forward Avery Hayes, who recorded 34 points in 16 playoff games with the Bulldogs last season.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 13 | 149 ANSWERS Leafs announce several intriguing rookie tournament and camp invites; we may very well see some ELCs signed soon Which of these prospects will earn contracts with the Leafs organization? | ||
| Pano Fimis | 36 | 24.2 % |
| Avery Hayes | 43 | 28.9 % |
| Sean McGurn | 19 | 12.8 % |
| All of the above | 51 | 34.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
