In The Rotunda - Tyler Toffoli

RW Tyler Toffoli
Birthplace: Scarborough, Ontario (Canada)
Age: 20, Height: 6’1”, Weight: 194lbs, Shoots: Right Handed
Drafted: 2010 2(38)
Acquired: Trade 2012/Lightning

Stats
2012 Team: Manchester (AHL): 41GP, 20G-13A-33P, 12PIM, +15
4 OHL Seasons (Ottawa): 252GP, 163G-170A-333P, 125PIM, +100

Overview
Alex Tougsiant wanted to change the direction for the Senators when he traded a Senator legend in Daniel Alfredsson to Tampa Bay for three prospects which were Tyler Toffoli, Richard Panik, and Bill Arnold. Arnold was traded to move up to pick up Alex Galchenyuk, and the Senators still hold onto the Tyler and Richard.

There is no question that Tyler Toffoli will be a goal scoring machine, he has scored at every level. In the OHL he dominated and lead the league in scoring in his senior season. One year in the AHL he has done just the same. He has the perfect size for the OTHL game being 6’1, and 194lb, and will be one of the key pieces coming down the road for the Senators.

This Year’s Assessment
Tyler Toffoli has been hands down the best player for the Manchester Monarchs this season. His rookie year has been incredibly successful thus far Toffoli has not just been an offensive success, he has been responsible defensively and in terms of discipline. He is a plus-eight and has just six minor penalties in 31 games. He has played on the penalty kill for coach Morris and even has a short-handed goal to go along with five power-play markers.

A key to Toffoli's success has been his role as an all-out trigger man and key player on the Monarchs top line with fellow rookie Tanner Pearson, and sophomore center Linden Vey. Both Pearson and Vey have been fantastic at getting the puck to Toffoli, who has proven he has the mindset and skills to score at the pro level. If he can continue his fantastic form for the entire year it is not out of the question to think this might be his only season playing with Manchester. While he is only 5'11, Toffoli is strong and has not been shaken by the physical nature of the AHL. One step further for the 2010 second round pick and he will be in the OTHL.

GM Burkholder’s Thoughts
Alfredsson is a great player, but anytime you can get a talent like Tyler you have to make it. He is our best pure goal scoring talent. We are letting him play in the AHL and really get more minutes in. This year we wanted him to work on his skating ability and has done a good job, and he keeps scoring. This kid is going to be amazing for us and real force in the OTHL. He is really our next wave of players we built up in the system that is going to turn some heads, he doesn’t get the notoriety of guys like Galchenyuk, Kreider, Schwartz, and Strome but don’t be fooled this kid is just as good.