First off, I’d like to say WOW to those Philly deals. I mean, we all could see the Carter one coming, but Richards? No chance. Fact the Maple Leafs were in on it blows my mind even more. But that’s all I’m going to talk about that. I think it’s an interesting deal on both sides.
Here’s my top 3 picks, using Bob McKenzie’s final rankings on who I want at 25, 30 and 39! Although I have favourites that are Russians such as Alexander Khoklachev and Nikita Kucherov, I’m going to leave them off the list as I don’t think Burke will be selecting them.
I’d also add, given the depth at the end of the first round, I can’t see a scenario where (if they keep the picks) I’d be disappointed. I’d be a bit more critical if it was a top 10 pick, but at this point I’m open to many selections.
“With the 25th overall selection, the Toronto Maple Leafs are proud to select...”
Matthew Puemple – Peteborough Petes (OHL)
Position: Left Wing, Height: 6-0, Weight: 198lbs
55 GP: 34 G, 35 A, 69 PTS
(Ranked 27th by TSN)
In honesty, I don’t think he’ll be here, but if he is he’s my first pick. He’s a great scorer and has natural offensive abilities that you can’t teach. He can play multiple roles if needed, but he’s primarily an offensive player – and one of the best in this draft in my eyes.
Ty Rattie – Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Position: Right Wing, Height: 5-11, Weight: 170lbs
67 GP: 28 G, 49 A, 79 PTS
(Ranked 25th by TSN)
Highly-skilled, but a bit undersized, Rattie has great vision and is an offensively gifted forward. He’s drawn comparisons to Patrick Sharp; he projects as a second-line player who may be able to fill in top-line duties in a pinch. His offensive creativity would be a warm welcome to the Maple Leafs system.
Boone Jenner – Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Position: Centre, Height: 6-1 Weight: 194lbs
63 GP: 25 G, 41A , 66 PTS
(Ranked 26th by TSN)
Unlikely to be a top-line guy, Jenner is going to be a multi-purpose forward who a coach could put into any position. Leadership qualities, a never-quit attitude, and a three-zone player is what you can expect from Jenner. He may be seen as a lower-risk player compared to others who will be available at this spot.
Other prospects I like, but I think will be gone by 25: Jonathan Miller (ranked – 18th), Ty Biggs (ranked – 15th), Oscar Klefbom (ranked – 21st)
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“With the 30th overall selection, the Toronto Maple Leafs are proud to select...”
Connor Murphy – USA U-18 (USHL)
Position: Defence, Height: 6-3, Weight: 185lbs
22 GP: 6 G, 4 A, 10 PTS
(Ranked 30th by TSN)
Missed a big chunk of the year, but really won me over at the U-18s. You see that he has some serious potential in the way he controls the ice at both ends. At 6’3 and 185 he has tons of filling out to do, but the tools are hard to ignore – specifically on the offensive side of things. A kid who will take a few years to mature, but potential top-four payout.
Scott Mayfield – Younstown Phantoms (USHL)
Position: Defence, Height: 6-4, Weight: 197lbs
52 GP: 7 G, 9 A, 16 PTS
(Ranked 46th by TSN)
A stretch where TSN has him ranked, but I think when you have a guy whose biggest knock seems to be that he needs some better coaching, you nab him. Mayfield has some desirable natural abilities, he’s a bit of a high-risk guy at the moment and needs to round his game – but he’s heading to college where he’ll be able to mature.
Stuart Percy – Mississauga St. Michaels Majors (OHL)
Position: Defence, Height: 6-1, Weight: 184lbs
64 GP, 4 G, 29 A, 33 PTS
(Ranked 34th by TSN)
Another player who could be considered a safe pick is Stuart Percy. He’s not going to be a top-end, flashy player, but he’ll be a solid two-way guy. Had a bit of a coming out party in the Memorial Cup, he’s a smart player who is a very mature defenseman. He was a player of interest for the Maple Leafs at the combine.
(Since the picks are so close together, there’s potential for one of those three I listed to squeak to 30th. I’ll give Tomas Jurco an HM at this point)
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“With the 39th overall selection, the Toronto Maple Leafs are proud to select...”
Brett Ritchie – Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Position: Right Wing, Height: 6-3, Weight: 210lbs
49 GP, 21 G, 20 A, 41 PTS
(Ranked 36th by TSN)
With great size and a touch around the net, it wouldn’t shock me to see Ritchie as a late-round selection. He’s not the most aggressive player with his size, but that could be something he grows into in the future. He missed time with mono, but he’s a very good player at this spot.
Lucas Lessio – Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Position: Left Wing, Height: 6-1, Weight: 196lbs
66 GP, 27 G, 27 A, 54 PTS
(Ranked 38th by TSN)
Some have questioned Lessio’s offensive ability at the top-end, I haven’t. He has pedigree being a big-time scorer before coming into the OHL. There have been questions around his game-to-game consistency, but I feel being drafted by his favourite NHL team will give him that necessary push. He plays the game like a pro, and knows his strengths. He was a rookie in the OHL this past season, so expect bigger things next year.
Reid Boucher – USA U-18 (USHL)
Position: Center, Height: 5’10, Weight: 192lbs
57 GP: 32 G, 22 A, 54 PTS
(Not ranked by TSN)
A stretch? Maybe. But this kid is a player who just finds ways to put the puck in the back of the net. If for some reason he falls to the 3rd round where the Maple Leafs pick, I’d be all over him. He’s not big, but he’s strong on his skates and has the gift of finding the open ice. Skating speed has been questioned, but at the U-18 I didn’t see it as a ‘big’ issue. At least, not one that would deter me from taking him.
Other prospects I like, but I think will be gone between 31-38: Stefan Noesen (ranked – 33rd), Rickard Rakell (ranked – 32), Dmitri Jaskin (ranked – 35th)
