With the amount of depth through this draft, it can get a bit nuts trying to figure out who to pick (imagine how the scouts feel!). I'm going to try and give an overview of players who may be available that fit certain criteria and in what round they may go.
First up, the Forward talent:
"I'd love my Leafs to snag a sniper in this draft!":
Top Rounds (1-2): If you are looking for a sniper in this draft, Matt Puemple is probably the player to pick. He's not a big guy, and has a similar Jeff Skinner type ability to score. Doesn't blow you away, but he just gets the job done! Arguably the most gifted sniper in the draft!
Others to watch: Tomas Jurco (Saint Johns - QMJHL), Rocco Grimaldi (USA-U18), Nikita Kucherov (RUS)
Mid Rounds (3-5): Reid Boucher (USA-U18): small forward with big time offensive instinct
Late Rounds (6-7): Pathrik Westerholm (Malmo - Allsvenskan): magic with twin brother Pontus, but the goalscorer of the two. re-enters the draft this year. Should garner a selection this time around.
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"The Maple Leafs need a play-making forward!"
Top Rounds (1-2): Ty Rattie is your man if you are looking for a creative play-making forward. He can dish the puck and has great hands! Sees the ice very well, but needs to add some bulk over the next few years.
Others to watch: Zach Phillips (Saint Johns - QMJHL), Alexander Khoklachev (Windsor - OHL),
Mid Rounds (3-5): T.J. Tynan (Notre Dame - NCAA): Was not just a top rookie scorer in the NCAA, but a top offensive player in the nation. Passed over last year, won't be this time.
Late Rounds (6-7): Zack O'Brien (Arcadie-Bathurst - QMJHL) : Arguably, he's more sniper than play-maker, but he's the total offensive package. Size is an issue, but he's a strong skater, strong first year in QMJHL
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"Size baby! Bring on those character power forwards!"
Top Rounds (1-2): Looking for someone big? Why not try Tyler Biggs. The captain of the USA U-18 team is a power-forward in the truest sense. He projects well at the next level and should be a player in some capacity.
Others to watch: Brett Ritchie (Sarnia - OHL), Dmitri Jaskin (Cze), Seth Ambroz (Omaha - USHL)
Mid Rounds (3-5): Michael Mersch (Wisconsin- NCAA): Big body winger who plays a physical game. Won't produce much in offensive numbers, but he's a valuable mid-round commodity. Needs to improve skating. Will have time to round game in college.
Late Rounds (6-7): Thomas Spelling (Denmark) Another sizable winger who's playing in the mens league in Denmark. Putting up good numbers too. Needs to add weight.
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"I want the complete package forward on my Maple Leafs!"
Top Rounds (1-2): Jonathan Miller is your guy if you can manage to land him. He's a Ryan Kesler type who can play in a number of situations. While offensive contribution has been questioned, he did a great job displaying offensive talent at the U-18s for USA.
Others to watch: Boone Jenner (Oshawa - OHL), Stefan Noesen (Plymouth - OHL), Rickard Rakell (Plymouth, OHL)
Mid Rounds (3-5): Ryan Tesink (Saint John - QMJHL): Keeps the motor going at all times even though he's very thin at the moment. Has overall ability and should round out strongly as he matures.
Late Rounds (6-7): Blake Coleman (Indiana - USHL) Blew away the competition this year in the USHL. Great overall offensive skill and a hard-worker. Could even go mid-round on draft day. Another re-entree. Heading to Miami next year.
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