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Toronto Maple Leafs: NHL Mock Draft Part 2 – Picks 16-31

By Alex Hobson

DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: A general view of the first thirty-one selections are shown on the board after the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: A general view of the first thirty-one selections are shown on the board after the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /
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BUFFALO, NY – MAY 30: Arthur Kaliyev poses for a portrait at the 2019 NHL Scouting Combine on May 30, 2019 at the HarborCenter in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY – MAY 30: Arthur Kaliyev poses for a portrait at the 2019 NHL Scouting Combine on May 30, 2019 at the HarborCenter in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images) /

17. Vegas Golden Knights – Arthur Kaliyev (LW, Hamilton Bulldogs, OHL)

As the newest team in the NHL, there’s obviously going to be a little bit of pressure on the GM in his first couple of drafts to make a statement with the organization’s first class of draft picks.

George McPhee killed it in 2017, selecting prospects Cody Glass, Erik Brannstrom (traded to acquire Mark Stone), and Nick Suzuki (traded to acquire Max Pacioretty).

They didn’t have a first rounder last year, but after losing in the first round of the playoffs this season, they’re looking to get back into the game and select another top prospect at 17th overall.

This time around, I have them taking sniper Arthur Kaliyev.

Kaliyev impressed in his first OHL season, putting up 31 goals and 48 points through 68 games for the Bulldogs. This season, however, he truly broke out and had an incredible season that saw him score 51 goals and put up 102 points in 67 games.

The first thing you’ll notice looking at these totals is that Kaliyev is a pure goal scorer. He loves putting the puck in the back of the net and he’ll do a good job of showing you that.

With top centre prospect Cody Glass looking to make the NHL as early as next season, the Golden Knights could be on their way to producing a deadly combo if they can get Kaliyev at 17th this year.

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