NHL mock draft: Final projections for every first-round pick

25. Toronto Maple Leafs – D Ryan Merkley

The new general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Kyle Dubas, is in position to make a huge draft pick late in the first round. It is not often this late in the draft you get a chance to draft a top 10 talent player. Ryan Merkley has all of the talent to be drafted that high, however, he has some major question marks. The Maple Leafs could really use a defenseman with Merkley’s offensive talent. After being eliminated in the first round back to back seasons, the problem area is the blue line. Merkley will help them bridge the gap and take the next step…if he can play up to potential.

On draft day, Ryan Merkley will be one of the most talked-about prospects. Yes, the top five will get plenty of attention but soon after the top 10 is over, all focus will go to Merkley. He is one of the most interesting prospects and is a top-five talent. Merkley is an elite offensive playmaking defenseman. He has scored highlight reel goals and made great plays with his skating ability. No one is questioning his talent or his physical ability he has all of the tools to be successful. But no one can predict where he will fall.

Ryan Merkley of the Guelph Storm in the OHL is an electric prospect. He can score goals, skate like the wind and make passes other people didn’t even see. Sounds like a guaranteed top 10 pick, right? Not exactly; he has plenty of problems to figure out before he hits elite status. He has a history of attitude problems both on and off the ice. He has little to no defensive responsibility and often leaves his teammates out to dry. It is obvious that Merkley has the talent, but he needs to get the other aspects right to not be a burn out.