Size is a priority, but when it comes to the first overall pick in June, Auston Matthews is the clear choice. The American-born center is versatile with the ability to play center or either winger position, but with the Leafs needing a leader and play maker, center will become his preferred position for a team looking to score more goals.
Matthews has excelled at every level and is one of the few players in this year’s class with the opportunity to make an immediate impact. The youngster will be given every chance over the summer to make the squad and with a good showing in the preseason, could become a starter on the number one line and hopefully lead this franchise to the playoffs in the near future.
Toronto has needs all across the ice and the latest mocks are split on how the front office will use their second selection in the opening round.
Draft Site has another scoring threat as the top option and winger Brett Howden is a solid option, but rumors have started on management looking for a big defender, making Libor Hajek or Markus Niemeläinen the best options late in the first round.
The Maple Leafs have three selections in the second round and the option to take whatever players fit best into their new system. Hockey experts are in agreement that this squad needs more scoring options and finding players that play with unselfishness is key.
Centers Pascal Laberge and Rasmus Asplund are both terrific on the offensive end of the ice, but will struggle on the defensive end at the NHL level, but putting the puck in the net is necessary to engage the fans and gets this team back on track and that makes both of these youngsters logical options when the team makes it pick in round two.
Don’t be surprised to see the front office grab a goalie and some big defenders with plenty of upside in the later rounds and while most of these picks won’t have an impact for two years or more, the building blocks are set for a major transformation with this club and with better management with the salary cap, look for the Toronto Maple Leafs to become a force in the Eastern Conference within the next three years.
