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Maple Leafs 2001 draft evaluation
Written by: Matt Peters on 06/06/2006 
The 12 picks have played a total of 249 NHL games, for an average of 21 games per pick.
Carlo Colaiacovo, D – 1st round, 17th overall
Status: NHL Prospect
NHL Games played: 25
DOB: 1-27-1983 HT: 6’1 WT: 185
Carlo Colaiacovo has had an on again, off again flirtation with the NHL since he was drafted in 2001. Each year the Leafs have wondered if this would be Colaiacovo’s year. He’s shown potential, but for the most part that hasn’t translated to NHL success. At times, it’s looked as though Colaiacovo could serve as a premier offensive defensemen to lead the Leafs’ top power play unit. Other times, it looks like potential unrealized. Colaiacovo very possibly could have moved up to the level of permanent NHL player had he not suffered a season-ending concussion in January. He was on his longest call-up yet and found his way into 21 games with the Leafs. Just as he was living up to some of his hype within the organization, his concussion set him back. Defense was a particularly strong position for Leafs prospects this season and now Colaiacovo will get his shot at training camp, but an automatic roster spot is far from a sure thing.
Karel Pilar, D – 2nd round, 39th overall
Status: NHL Prospect
NHL games played: 90
DOB: 12-23-1977 HT: 6’2 WT: 206
Unlike many of his peers in the Leafs 2001 draft, Karel Pilar had early NHL success coupled with recent problems. He currently plays in the Czech Republic and has been struggling after contracting iral myopathy, a heart condition that stiffens the heart muscle and doesn’t allow for enough blood to pump through the body. Earlier, he missed the second half of the 2002 season and the first 16 games of 2003 season with the same condition. This season he missed all but six games for playing Sparta Praha. However, he recovered for the playoffs when he scored six points in 14 games. As one of the older players selected in the 2001, Pilar jumped into the Leafs lineup quickly, spending 23 regular season games and 11 playoffs games with the club during the 2001-02 season. Throughout the next couple seasons, Pilar was shuffled back and forth between the NHL and AHL. During the lockout, Pilar decided to return to his native Czech Republic, playing for Praha. In May, Leafs GM John Ferguson said the team is still optimistic about Pilar and his condition, but he still needs a new contract. He presents somewhat of a wild card in the Leafs future. He has more NHL experience than any other Leafs player drafted in 2001, but it’s unclear how reliable he is due to injuries. Then again, he could make the fight for an NHL defense spot for the Leafs that much more interesting in 2005-06.
Brendan Bell, D – 3rd round, 65th overall
Status: NHL Prospect
NHL games played: 1
DOB: 3-31-1983 HT: 6’1 WT: 205
Brendan Bell has played consistently with the Leafs AHL team over the last three years. Each year Bell’s numbers have improved on the previous year’s effort. He played in his first NHL game this season. Bell will likely be a top defenseman with the Toronto Marlies next season if he doesn’t earn an NHL spot. With the Leafs’ defensive corps in a bit of transition period, Bell will certainly garner a look come training camp.
Jay Harrison, D – 3rd round, 83rd overall
Status: NHL Prospect
NHL games played: 8
DOB: 11-3-1982 HT: 6’4 WT: 211
If this evaluation had come out a year ago, Jay Harrison probably would have fallen under the “left for dead” category. Those within the Leafs organization had given up hope on the former third round pick. But, this is why one must wait so long after a draft to determine dividends. When former Carolina Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice entered as coach of the Marlies, Harrison’s prospects with in the organization improved drastically. Maurice took a liking to the defensive defenseman’s style and expanding offensive potential. As a result, Harrison had his best season in the AHL. Maurice moving up to coach the Leafs certainly doesn’t hurt Harrison’s chances within the organization.
Nicolas Corbeil, C – 3rd round, 88th overall
Status: NHL Bust
NHL games played: 0
DOB: 3-30-1983 HT: 5’11 WT: 177
Nicolas Corbeil has not only struggled to make the NHL, he’s struggled to find a place in the AHL, playing just 17 games in the league so far. The Leafs never seemed keen on keeping him in the organization and Corbeil became a free agent without having ever played a minute for any team within the Leafs organization. He signed with the Blackhawks in 2003, but wasn’t able to stick with them either. Corbeil has had decent success at the ECHL level, with 103 points in 156 games, but has yet to translate that to any level higher. He never lived up to the potential he flashed in the QMHL when he scored well over a point per game.
Kyle Wellwood, C – 5th round, 134th overall
Status: NHL player
NHL games played: 82
DOB: 5-16-1983 HT: 5’10 WT: 180
The Leafs found a steal in Kyle Wellwood. Wellwood is type of player the Leafs can begin to rebuild around, not something you can say about many fifth round draft picks. Wellwood proved to be a well- versed playmaker in his first season with the Leafs. He had his share of rookie moments, but still turned in an impressive first NHL campaign. In another year he perhaps could have garnered more attention. Now the goal is to follow his 11-goal, 34-assist campaign.
Maxim Kondratiev, D – 6th round, 168th overall
Status: NHL Prospect
NHL games played: 36
DOB: 1-20-1983 HT: 6’2 WT: 190
Kondratiev’s time with the Leafs came to end with the Brian Leetch deal in 2004. He played seven games with the Leafs before the trade. This season he appeared in 29 games with the Rangers, but was shuffled around between the Hartford Wolf Pack and Portland Pirates.
Jaroslav Sklenar, LW – 6th round, 183rd overall
Status: NHL Bust
NHL games played: 0
DOB: 11-22-1982 HT: 6’2 WT: 172
Jaroslav Sklenar’s attempted journey to play in the NHL didn’t last much longer than draft day. Sklenar played only four games in North America for the Ottawa 67’s. Sklenar returned to Europe and played in both the Slovak and Czech leagues.
Ivan Kolozvary, F – 7th round, 198th overall
Status: NHL Bust
NHL games played: 0
DOB: 2-16-1983 HT: 5’10 WT: 174
Kolozvary never brought his talents overseas after being drafted by the Leafs. Kolozvary stayed in Slovakia playing mostly for Dukla Trencin. In 2004-05, he had 17 points in 34 games for Dubnica Spartak HC.
Jan Chovan, G – 7th round, 213rd overall
Status: NHL Bust
NHL games played: 0
DOB: 9-7-1983 HT: 6’0 WT: 185
When you’re a goalie and you average over three goals per game, it’s hard to make a case to move up in the ranks. Jan Chovan is still playing hockey, having spent time in the OHL, USHL, UHL, SPHL. In the last two years, Chovan has played just 22 games with five wins. His GAA reached a career high this season at 5.57 with a .846 save percentage in the low-level SPHL.
Tomas Mojzis, D – 8th round, 246th overall
Status: NHL prospect
NHL games played: 7
DOB: 5-2-1982 HT: 6’1 WT: 192
Tomas Mojzis’ affiliation with the Leafs ended long ago. Toronto traded Mojzis to the Canucks in 2002 for Brad Leeb. Mojzis now plays for the St. Louis Blues after being traded again this season along with a third round pick for Eric Weinrich. Mojzis played seven games for the Canucks this season in his only time in the NHL. Despite not reaching the top level, Mojzis has consistently remained in the AHL since he was drafted in 2001.
Mike Knoepfli, F – 9th round, 276 overall
Status: NHL Bust
NHL games played: 0
DOB: 4-9-1982 HT: 6’1 WT: 205
After a completing a successful career with Cornell University with 88 points in 137 games that culminated with being named captain in his senior year, Mike Knoepfli moved on to play hockey in Switzerland this season. Knoepfli admittedly made his mark through work ethic rather than skill. Knoepfli also excels as a leader and locker room presence, but his low skill level will probably keep him from ever using those skills at the NHL level.
Copyright 2006 Hockey’s Future. Do not reprint or otherwise duplicate without permission of the editorial staff.
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