Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Mark Hunter announces Mitchell Marner (not pictured) as the number four overall pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs as commissioner Gary Bettman looks on in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
NUMBER 13 – TRAVIS DERMOTT
Travis Dermott was a bit of a surprise selection in the 2015 NHL draft, but he shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Dermott’s got tremendous ability on the backend with a very good hockey IQ. He’s a pretty mobile defender who saw his point totals rise from 28 to 45 in his last two junior seasons (with 6 less games played last year).
More from Editor In Leaf
- Toronto Maple Leafs: Nick Robertson Healthy and Ready
- Ryan Reaves Will Have Zero Impact on Toronto Maple Leafs
- Toronto Maple Leafs: Playing Max Domi In Top-Six a HUGE Mistake
- Top 10 Scandals in the History of the Toronto Maple Leafs
- Toronto Maple Leafs: Results from the Traverse City Prospects Tournament
There’s nothing flashy about Dermott’s game on the ice, but his consistent smart decisions in every section of the rink make him a very valuable defender. He’s not very physical, but he makes up for that with his hockey sense.
Dermott should be a leader on the Erie Otters this season and Leafs fans should watch his development closely this year because he’s got a chance to be an impact defenseman with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the not so distant future.
TSN’s Craig Button had this to say on Travis Dermott prior to the 2015 NHL Draft:
“Dermott will not wow you with any flashy type of play but will impress with an overall efficient style where he is in the right positions, makes the right plays, doesn’t panic under pressure, will jump into attack at the right times and do so in a very controlled and competitive manner. A steadying, calm influence with a solid base of skill and intelligence.” (TSN)
Button also compared him to Anton Stralman – one of the best puck possession defenders in the NHL – and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with having that type of player in your system.
Next: Number 12