The following notes were taken during day 2 & 3 of the Toronto Maple Leafs prospect development camp (July 4 - 5, 2012).
Forwards
Dominic Toninato (1994) - Duluth-East
Toninato played a solid two-way game during the last two days of camp. He wasn't very flashy but made the right plays at the right time. He used his stick well when playing defence, fending off much more physically mature forwards. While compete levels can be 'inflated' to impress at camps such as this one, it is worth noting that Toninato was a factor at both ends of the ice. Toninato also finished well, scoring in tight with little time on hand.
Tony Cameranesi (1993) - Waterloo Blackhawks
In my previous post, I mentioned I would like to see more creativity out of the undersized centre. It turns out Cameranesi was just getting comfortable. Cameranesi, again between Biggs and Ross, drove that line with speed but used his vision to make several eye-catching passes. He also protected the puck well, showing some strength in the process. Cameranesi is likely effective with regular linemates if he continues to incorporate them in the play more often.
Defence
Tom Nilsson (1993) - 6'0, 176 lbs - Mora
An effective defenceman who skates deceptively well and understands positioning. Nilsson is calculating and will use his body to neutralize plays by pinning his target along the boards. With the puck, Nilsson shows patience looking for the optimal pass, which he throws hard to advance the play. Nilsson allows his strong offensive instincts to lead him on rushes, skating down the wing - even to the goal line - before cutting hard and driving to the net. When I brought this up with Dave Morrison, Leafs Dir. of Amateur Scouting, he mentioned Nilsson has some 'pop' to his game. It will be interesting to see what kind of player Nilsson develops into with more experience and confidence.
