With all of the focus on Nick Robertson, another prospect is likely ready for full time NHL duty
Every year, there is at least one prospect who is presumed to be NHL-ready and is expected to get a long look during training camp. This year, the Leafs have 2 or 3 players who fit the bill, namely Nick Robertson and Pontus Holmberg, but Joshua Kloke, reporter for the Athletic, believes that winger Joey Anderson will receive serious consideration to make the big club this coming season, and that he is ready for a fourth line role in the NHL.
Anderson was originally drafted in the third round (73rd overall) of the 2016 NHL entry draft by the New Jersey Devils. The right winger was acquired from the Devils two years ago in a trade that sent Andreas Johnsson the other way. Since the trade, Anderson has spent the bulk of his time in the AHL. Last season, he put up 42 points (26 goals & 16 assists) in 56 games with the Toronto Marlies. He also played five games with the Leafs, but failed to register a point. However, he never looked out of place. Anderson has a solid two-way game and is effective along the boards and in the tough areas.
Given the Leafs' cap constraints, it feels likely they go with less than a 23-man roster, unless they move someone like Alexander Kerfoot, meaning less spots are available for a guy like Anderson to make the team. He will likely be competing for a spot on the fourth line with guys like Wayne Simmonds, Kyle Clifford, Adam Gaudette and a number of Marlies prospects.
While Anderson does not bring the physicality that a Kyle Clifford or Wayne Simmonds brings, his responsible two-way game may be enough to edge them out. It also feels likely that even if Anderson doesn't make the team out of camp, we see him at some point during the season with the big club once injuries hit.
At 24 years old, Anderson is at a pivotal age in his career where if he doesn't become an NHL regular soon, he might never get a shot. And with so many forward prospects in the pipelines, Anderson runs the risk of being jumped over if he can not grab a regular spot. This training camp should be a very interesting one for Anderson. Expect him to come in with a chip on his shoulder.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 25 | 485 ANSWERS With all of the focus on Nick Robertson, another prospect is likely ready for full time NHL duty If you could only pick one of the following, who would you rather stay with the big club? | ||
| Joey Anderson | 231 | 47.6 % |
| Wayne Simmonds | 151 | 31.1 % |
| Kyle Clifford | 103 | 21.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
