3. Carl Grundstrom
If there is one thing most of the guys on this list have in common it’s that they were not high draft picks. The Toronto Maple Leafs selected Carl Grundstrom in the second round, 57th overall, in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
The Leafs lucked out in the second round of the 2016 draft and selected Grundstrom with their pick, after he was originally projected to be a late first rounder. Nothing better than getting a first round talent in the later rounds, and that’s exactly what happened here.
Grundstrom produced very well in the SHL last season and has had a very successful rookie AHL season, putting up 23 points in 33 games for the Toronto Marlies.
He was #4 on our list last year, and this year he moves up to #3.
The most attractive part about Grundstrom’s game is the fact that he doesn’t really lack anything. He can definitely chip in offensively and also plays a solid defensive game and loves to throw the body when he plays.
Other than right-handed defenseman, left wingers are maybe the most difficult position to fill, and Grundstrom looks like he could be ready to take over when Patrick Marleau hangs up the blade, or even sooner.
It’s looking more and more likely that Grundstrom will make the Maple Leafs full time next year and in the long run, could be a very good second or third line winger.