Christopher Ralph is a sportswriter with a focus on hockey prospects, the entry draft, as well as occasional Flames coverage here at THW.
“Full Potential” Prospect Profile:
Tyler Toffoli (Click on name for up- to- date stats)
Date of birth: April 24, 1992
Place of birth: Toronto, Ont., Canada
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 178
Shoots: R
Position – C/RW (more effective on the wing)
2009-10 Team: Ottawa (OHL)
NHL Status: Draft Eligible 2010
One-Timer:
Toffoli got off to a rough start this season with just 3 points in his first 10 games. He worked through it though and rebounded very strongly to produce 76 points in his final 55 regular season games. The poor start might have stemmed from the fact he was miscast as a centerman. He is much more effective on the wing.
While he is still growing, Toffoli won’t be selected for his size or because he has elite level skating. His skating his not at an elite level but he is solid on his edges and strong on the puck. He will likely continue to improve in that area as he has this year, improving his quickness already as the season wore on. His offensive potential is his biggest allure. He already possesses a NHL level shot and soft hands to go with. He is a tireless worker who utilizes superb hockey sense to be in the right place at precisely the right time. He is also not afraid to dig in the corners and does not shy away from physical play.
Scout’s Honor:
“His hands and shot are NHL elite already.”
– McKeen’s 2010 Draft Guide
“Is not very big in stature for his Ottawa team, but he makes up for that in skill and effort. He’s got 79 points in his 65 games played. He’s got an NHL release and incredible accuracy with his shot. An equal threat whether he’s dishing the puck or shooting the puck himself.”
– Director of NHL Central Scouting, E.J. McGuire“He has the skill to make things happen. He can make a good pass, and he’s got good hands in close to the net to finish off a nice pass.”
– International Scouting Services
“Tyler Toffoli has great anticipation and hockey sense. His ability to make and finish plays sets him apart from most other players. This season he has developed a good two way game and is strong in his own end.”
– Ottawa 67’s head coach Chris Byrne
Current Season:
2009-10: In 65 games for the Ottawa 67’s, Tyler scored 37 goals and contributed 42 assists for 79 points. He finished up with a +25 rating and had 54 penalty minutes. In 12 playoff games, he scored 7 goals and added another 6 assists for 13 points. Toffoli also played for Team Orr at the 2010 CHL Top Prospects Game.
Scouting Combine Performance:
7th in Musculoskeletal: Left Hand Grip (lb)
International Tournaments:
- He was a member of gold medal winning Team Canadian at the 2009 Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament, playing on a line with Tyler Seguin and John McFarland. He finished second in team scoring (3G -5A – 8Pts) in just four games.
ETA = 2-3 yrs
Risk-Reward Analysis: Risk = 1.5/5 Reward = 4.25/5
NHL Potential: Top 6 scoring forward
Strengths:
- Great shot, release and laser-like precision – NHL ready locked and loaded weapon.
Tyler Toffoli {Photo Copyright: Leon T Switzer www.TotalPhoto.ca} - Natural born scoring ability.
- Very good passer
- Good work ethic
- Hockey sense and positioning
- Great touch around the net
- Good edges and tough to knock off the puck
Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:
- Continue to train to increase strength and mass.
- Consistency.
- Skating – not a bad skater, but will need to improve. He has improved already in this department and was evidently quicker as the season went on.
Fantasy Hockey Potential: Offensive = 8.5/10 Defensive = 7/10
NHL Player(s) Comparison:
– At his best: Brad Boyes, Dany Heatley
Video(s):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrRhr_S1UBg
Interesting Notes: (NHL.com)
- “Over a 47-game span in 2009-10, Toffoli averaged more than a point and a half per-game — only three of the top 10 scorers in the OHL averaged more: Taylor Hall (No. 2 ranked), Tyler Seguin (No. 1 ranked) and Nazem Kadri (selected 7th overall in 2009). He has consistently produced in the playoffs as well, recording 21 points (9-12–21) in 19 career playoff games.”
- Toffoli was also one of only two Canadian-born players taken in the KHL Entry Draft, as Traktor Chelyabinsk selected him in the seventh round (169th overall).
Other Rankings:
CSB: 16-NA
ISS: N/A
TSN: 26 {Bob MacKenzie – Mid-term Rankings}
McKeens: 27
THN: 40
THW: 24 (June ’10) {Christopher Ralph }
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