These are just some names I like heading into Friday. Honestly, I could have a list of 20 or 30 names I’d be happy with at 25 and 30, but I did my best to make a short-list.
I obviously have more high-potential players I like that aren’t listed, but that’s because I have no faith in them dropping. Puemple almost escaped my list, but even though I’m not holding out much hope for him being there at 25, I think there’s a small chance he could be.
They are ‘ranked’, but it’s extremely close between all these players.
1. Matt Puemple, LW, 6’0, 196lbs – Peterborough Petes (OHL)
Why he would be a good selection: There are just some players out there who can score on a whim, and Puemple is that sort of player. He would have notched 40 goals had he been healthy all year (in my opinion). He’s just a dangerous offensive player. He may not possess the flash you get from some scoring forwards, but he has that Danny Heatley (if I may) ability of finding the back of the net. To be honest, I really don’t think he’ll make it to 25, but if he does and the Maple Leafs pass on him I’ll be scratching my head.
2. Oscar Klefbom, D, 6’4, 200lbs – Farjestads (SWE)
Why he would be a good selection: Again, another player I’m not 100% sold on being available, but could potentially be. He’d be a great addition because of his raw potential as an offensive-defender with size. He’s still only 17, and has a lot of filling out to do, but in a few years could be a real stud top-four. His size and offensive abilities will make him an intriguing option for teams.
3. Ty Rattie, RW, 5’11, 160lbs – Portland Winterhawks
Why he would be a good selection: Well, it pretty much begins and ends with the fact he’s a very gifted offensive player. He has some great instincts in the offensive zone and can really make things happen. I caught a few of Portland’s games when watching Brad Ross (Maple Leafs 2nd round pick last year) and came away impressed with Rattie. He’s not big, but that’s OK when you have skill like he does. On top of that, for a late first round selection I think this is a very worthy gamble.
4. Stefan Noesen, 6’1, 193lbs, - Plymouth Whalers (OHL)
Why he would be a good selection: To me, he’s a first round talent who hasn’t received the credit he should. He can skate, score, and compete. He’s going to have a huge role next year in Plymouth which should help his development. Not to mention he was Plymouth’s leading goal scorer in the playoffs. Could slip to the 2nd round, but I do think this kid is a gamer. I think he has top-six upside, and even if he doesn’t make it he has the worth-ethic and skill to be a bottom-six.
5. Scott Mayfield, D, 6’4, 200lbs – Youngstown (USHL)
Why he would be a good selection: A towering 6’4 defender who raises his compete level when required? Sign me up. It’s hard not to like the raw ability of someone like Mayfield at the end of the first round. You could make arguments for passing on him in the top 15-20, but in the Maple Leafs position I’m comfortable gambling on this kid. He has the qualities you can work with. It wouldn’t surprise me to see fans reflect back on him as being one of the better players in the draft.
6. Boone Jenner, C, 6’1, 204lbs – Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Why he would be a good selection: Someone you can count on in all types of situations is a good asset to have. While he may not project to be that top-line player, Jenner has the tools to be a quality player for any team willing to select him. Just seems to have those qualities you win with. Skating has been an area of concern for some, but with his work-ethic it shouldn’t be an issue moving forward.
7. Jonathan Miller, C, 6’1, 198lbs – USA U-18 (USHL)
Why he would be a good selection: Had a bit of a coming out party at the U-18s. Miller seems to have the complete package. While he didn’t blow away the competition throughout the year, he turned it up when he needed to at the U-18. Seems like a bit of a gamble at this point due to lack of offensive success, but I still think he goes in the top 30. Could be as good as he wants to be it seems, he could likely play in a variety of roles if groomed properly.
8. Tyler Biggs, RW, 6’2, 200lbs – USA U-18 (USHL)
Why he would be a good selection: I think any time you can manage to snag a top-nine power-forward you do it. In the case of the Maple Leafs, they really could use one. Biggs is a player ranked all over the place, but when it’s all said and done someone is going to like him enough to nab him in round 1 (I think). Fits Burke’s criteria perfectly, although it wouldn’t shock me to see him go before the Maple Leafs pick. Projects well at the next level. Only questions would be whether or not he’s a top-six or bottom-six player
9. Brett Ritchie, RW, 6’3, 210lbs – Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Why he would be a good selection: He’s a big body who knows how to use his size well, and will battle in front of the net. He has some good hands in tight too which is impressive for a big guy like him. He battled some injury issues this season, and would have been a top-30 lock if he was healthy. Really impressive at the U-18’s I thought, and should only get better as he develops his consistency.
10. Alexander Khoklachev, C, 5’10, 160lbs – Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Why he would be a good selection: In my view, he’s one of the purest skilled players in this draft. I’ve seen a ton of him living in Windsor and while he isn’t without his warts, he has some really impressive skill. The Spits weren’t a gifted offensive team this year, and Khoko was usually one step ahead of his teammates. Russian factor will play a role I’m guessing, but he’s a few days from being a 2012 pick which makes him all the more intriguing. However, at the end of the day I don’t see the Maple Leafs picking him.
Just missing the cut:
Joe Morrow, D – Portland Winterhawks (Gifted offensive defender, not many weaknesses)
Adam Clendening, D – Boston University (Strong offensive defender, working on overall game – top performer at combine
Tomas Jurco, RW – Saint John Sea Dogs (Big body, offensive wizard – needs work on rounding his game)
Ryan Sproul, D – Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (Lanky offensive defender made big strides this year)
Stuart Percy, D – Mississauga St. Michaels Majors (Safe, high-IQ defender with offensive potential)
