Toronto Maple Leafs: 1st Rounders Through the Years vol. 4

Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Auston Matthews poses for a photo with team officials after being selected as the number one overall draft pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Auston Matthews poses for a photo with team officials after being selected as the number one overall draft pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
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SAN JOSE, CA – APRIL 03: Tyler Seguin #91 of the Dallas Stars skates against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on April 3, 2018 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tyler Seguin
SAN JOSE, CA – APRIL 03: Tyler Seguin #91 of the Dallas Stars skates against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on April 3, 2018 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tyler Seguin

In 2010, the Toronto Maple Leafs had no first round picks.

The Toronto Maple Leafs had a dismal 74 point season, finishing in 29th place. The Boston Bruins (Leafs) had an 18.8% chance of selecting first. Taylor Hall, left-wing, was an explosively fast skater with a wicked shot. Tyler Seguin, a centre who was considered a better playmaker and two-way player. Also available at the top of the draft were Ryan Johansen, Cam Fowler, Jeff Skinner and Justin Faulk.

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While Boston was selecting Seguin with the Leafs first round pick, Brian Burke, without a 1st or 2nd round pick, shipped Jimmy Hayes to the Chicago Blackhawks for the 43rd overall pick. He selected Brad Ross, a truculent winger from the Portland Winter Hawks. Ross had scored 27 goals, 68 points with 203 PIM in his draft year. Since turning pro, Ross never scored more than eight goals. Furthermore, he has never had a sniff of the NHL. He now toils for the Iserlohn Roosters in the Deutsche Eishockey League (Germany).

First of all, imagine the Leafs with Kadri and Seguin as young centre depth. Secondly, imagine that Fletcher did not have the keys to the vault. Lastly, imagine him not trading Alex Steen for Lee Stempniak. OUCH!

Steen, Kadri and Seguin, that is a quality one through three centre depth.