While the odds on favourite to capture the scoring title in the Ontario Hockey League this season is Sarnia forward Nail Yakupov, there is another player may have a thing or two to say before the regular season ends next March.
Tyler Toffoli spent much of last season in a neck-and-neck race with Kitchener Ranger Jason Akeson for the OHL scoring lead. The Ottawa 67’s forward ended the season all knotted up with Akeson at 108 points, but dominated his counterpart with respect to goals scored. Toffoli netted 57 goals as an 18 year old, nearly making Canada’s World Junior Championships team last Christmas in the process. He attended this year’s summer evaluation camp before heading out to Los Angeles to attend the Kings training camp before being returned to the 67’s for the 2011-2012 season.
Since being sent down, Toffoli has been on a tear. Through seven games, he has notched 14 points, seven goals and seven assists while finding chemistry with teammate Sean Monahan. In Monahan, the 67’s found a replacement for Ryan Martindale who signed a pro contract with the Edmonton Oilers organization and will spend the year seasoning in either the American Hockey League or the East Coast Hockey League. Shane Prince however is back for another season in the Nation’s Capital which boasts well for the 67’s offensive numbers.
With that being said, Toffoli will most likely miss a majority of the month of December and the beginning of January due to this year’s World Junior Championship this year in Alberta. His numbers from last year alone are good enough to walk on to Team Canada who will miss eligible offensive stars like Jeff Skinner, Tyler Seguin and Taylor Hall. If he stays as productive as he has thus far this season, my guess is that it will be a foregone conclusion that the Scarborough native will don the Canadian colours this holiday season.
He will no doubt be looking to finish what should be his final Major Junior campaign off on a strong note before turning pro next season. With the chance to avenge an early and embarrassing performance in last year’s playoffs as an incentive, Toffoli will be counted on greatly to perform like the player he has shown that he can be. We will see how the season pans out for the 67’s, but with Tyler Toffoli driving their offense, I’m certain they’ll have success.
Tyler Toffoli is definitely one of the best offensive players in the CHL. Not many can shoot the puck and do things in the offensive zone like he can, but the one draw back in his game is his play without the puck. I wouldn't say he is guaranteed a spot with Team Canada at the WJC. Canada likes to pick versatile players, guys that can play in multiple situations. Toffoli doesn't like backchecking that might hinder his chances of making the team.