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Insiders Edge:
Jeff Taffe is considered the top prospect in a Phoenix Coyotes’ organization that boasts a number of young talented players.
What sets Jeff apart from the rest, according to sources within the organization, is the fact that Taffe has really made a commitment to become an elite player this season.
Taffe reported to the Coyotes’ 2003 training camp in great shape and clearly ready to take his game to the next level
With only one year of pro experience under his belt, Taffe already approaches the game with an NHL mentality and plays with lots of heart.
Taffe is beginning to emerge as a legitimate scoring threat, while being described as having great vision to make plays and set up teammates.He is an excellent skater that can handle the puck and plays very well at both ends of the ice.
Jeff’s marvelous work ethic has helped his become one of the top players in the AHL, while allowing him to take a growing leadership role within the Falcons’ team.
Sources say his teammates really respect him and the way he has worked so hard to keep getting better each and everyday.
Taffe recorded 23 goals and 26 assists for 49 points in 57 games as a rookie with Springfield in 2002-03, and added three goals and an assist in 20 NHL matches with Phoenix.
Word within the organization is that Taffe will not only be a first line NHL player, but that he could develop into being one of the top scorers in the league.
Jeff was profiled by MLN in the March 2003 story, Earning His Wings
Insiders Edge:
Hannu Toivonen is very highly regarded within the Bruins’ organization. There seems little doubt among the sources we spoke to, that Toivonen will be the main man between the pipes in Boston before too long.
Hannu is a big, quick, butterfly-style goaltender, with a growing 6'2", 210- pound frame that fills the net.As an 18-year old, Toivonen posted a 16-2-4 record last season in Finland’s top hockey league, playing against older, elite competition.
Boston believes Hannu is their goalie of the future and sent him to Providence to get the necessary ice time so he can get acclimated to the North American style of hockey.
Insiders say he has all the tools, and it’s only a matter of refining a few small aspects of his game.Our sources sense that the biggest obstacle for him reaching the NHL is the fact that he is still getting accustomed to the greater volume of shots taken in the North American game.
In Europe, they play on a larger ice surface and the style of play is different, so typically a goalie will not see as many shots taken.
The organization seems convinced that Toivonen is up to the challenge.
He is described as being blessed with a terrific work ethic, a great head on his shoulders and an excellent understanding of the game. It is also said that he is very confident, though not arrogant.
Boston currently has in net, the tandem of Felix Potvin, who is signed to a one-year deal, and Andrew Raycroft, a youngster who spent most of last season in Providence.
Right now, one can only speculate if the honchos in Boston will let Potvin go, and stay with the two relatively green goalies as their only options next season.
Our sources do feel though, that if the situation arises, Toivonen can handle the responsibility.
“When you talk to Hannu you forget he’s only 19-years old. He carries himself as if he were 24 or 25. He’s very mature.”
3.
Insiders Edge:
Intimidating. That is the common word it seems everyone uses to describe Mike Komisarek. One look at his daunting 6-4, 240-pound frame, and it is easy to see why.
In addition to his great size, it seems Komisarek is also in possession of a large amount of skills that will allow him to be successful in the NHL.
The 21-year-old defenseman spent the majority of his first pro season with the Hamilton Bulldogs after two stellar seasons at the University of Michigan
He is described as the ultimate team player, with a ton of upside to his game.
“Komisarek has the potential to be a very dominating player in the NHL,” believes one source.
Mike enjoys the physical aspects of the game, and plays very aggressive hockey, which includes lots of hitting.
Along with his sound defensive game, Komisarek is a talented offensive player. He posted 30 points in 56 games with the Bulldogs last season.
Described as a good passer, Mike plays just as well without the puck as he does with it and skates very well for a big guy.
‘Komo” has quickly adjusted to the demanding pace of the pro game, though he still does get caught out of position at times.
The Habs’ front office is convinced it is nothing a little more ice time won’t fix and Komisarek is expected to be a mainstay on Montreal’s blueline sometime in the near future.Click on the pull-down, below, to select a player, or click on the page numbers at the bottom of the article to read on...
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