5 players Toronto Maple Leafs should target in 2018 NHL Draft

SUNRISE, FL - JUNE 26: Kyle Dubas Assistant General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs talks on the phone as President Brendan Shanahan looks on during the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center on June 26, 2015 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

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PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 15: Nils Lundkvist #7 of the Sweden Nationals turns up ice with the puck against the Finland Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 15, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. Finland defeated Sweden 5-3. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Nils Lundkvist /

3. Nils Lundkvist

One mock draft from mynhldraft.com (as of May 28th) actually has Nils Lundkvist being selected by the Leafs in the first round. Most mocks though have him falling into the middle of the second round. If he can fall into the late second round or the Leafs make a deal to move up, it would be a great value pick.

One of the things you could say about the Leafs’ defense is that they have a very offensive-minded blue line. Morgan Rielly and Gardiner have been lauded for their offensive capabilities, but both have been criticized for their defensive shortcomings. Travis Dermott and Timothy Liljegren are the next wave of puck-moving defenseman. Picking a d-man like Lundqvist could help immensely.

Once again, in the The Hockey News Draft Preview Issue, one scout said,

"He’s undersized, but I don’t think he’ll be undersized when it’s all said and done… He seldom makes a mistake with the puck. He can skate and pass the puck, but he’s more safe and efficient than he is dynamic. He’s surprisingly good defensively considering he’s physically immature right now."

That is the type of defenseman the Leafs need to play with the Riellys and Gardiners. Let them focus of offense, while a player like Lundkvist is more conscious of his own end. That is the one of the things that the Leafs lack. They need shutdown defenders or, at least, defenders who focus more on their own end than the offensive zone. They need someone better than Roman Polak at least.

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