2018 NHL Draft: Toronto Maple Leafs full seven-round mock draft
With seven selections in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, who might the Toronto Maple Leafs walk away with this weekend?
The Toronto Maple Leafs have seven picks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. They are without a sixth-round pick, but have two picks in the seventh round. They don’t have their original second- and third-round picks, but acquired the San Jose Sharks’ second- and third-round picks in two separate deals.
Toronto is loaded with young talent on the main roster. Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander are already three of the most dynamic offensive players in the league and only one is of legal drinking age. They have question marks on defense, but there are some strong defensive prospects in the pipeline. Timothy Liljegren and Eemeli Rasanen are quickly making their way through the system. Travis Dermott is a 21-year-old who got a taste of the NHL playoffs last season.
Their biggest need is at the center position. Matthews will be a staple for years to come and Name Kadri is locked up for fur more years. But Tyler Bozak, Tomas Plekanec, and Dominic Moore are all free agents this offseason. Miro Aaltonen is their top prospect at center, but he’s already 25 years old.
The Leafs have had plenty of success in the first round over the years, but much of that success had come in the top 10. Their first-round pick falls at No. 25 this year. The last time they picked this high, they selected Frédérik Gauthier at No. 21. The jury is still out on him.
First Round – No. 25: Ryan McLeod (C)
It would be surprising if the Maple Leafs took anyone but a center or defenseman here. McLeod falls in this range and would be the perfect start for the Toronto to begin rebuilding its center depth. McLeod is six-foot-two and 200 pounds. He’s improved every season in the OHL. He went from 20 points in his first year, to 42 points in his second year, to 70 points in 68 games this past season.
He has all the making of being a premier power forward in the NHL. Some are concerned that he doesn’t use his body quite enough and that he lacks intensity. On any other team, I might be a little concerned. But not with the Maple Leafs. Once Mike Babcock gets his hands on him, he’ll have no problem competing hard on every night. Plus, anyone who has improved the way he has during his three seasons in junior hockey shows he’s ready to compete.
In terms of skill, he’s not missing much. He’s a good skater for his size, has a solid shot, and is a high-level playmaker. On a team desperate for a strong center prospect, the Leafs would love to have someone as talented as McLeod. There is a certain risk that he doesn’t reach his ceiling, but that’s a risk you’re taking with any draft pick. Believe that the Leafs coaching staff can get the most out of him and reap the rewards.