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Toronto Maple Leafs: 2019 NHL Draft Recap

By Alex Hobson

DALLAS, TX - JUNE 23: (l-r) Kyle Dubas and Brendan Shanahan of the Toronto Maple Leafs handle the draft table during the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 23, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 23: (l-r) Kyle Dubas and Brendan Shanahan of the Toronto Maple Leafs handle the draft table during the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 23, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA – SEPTEMBER 29: Nick Abruzzese #6 of the Chicago Steel skates during the game against the Lincoln Stars on Day 2 of the USHL Fall Classic at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex on September 29, 2017 in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA – SEPTEMBER 29: Nick Abruzzese #6 of the Chicago Steel skates during the game against the Lincoln Stars on Day 2 of the USHL Fall Classic at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex on September 29, 2017 in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

4th Round, 124th Overall – Nick Abruzzese (LW, Chicago Steel, USHL)

While lots of Leafs fans expect the team to select nothing but defensemen, the Buds are also short on depth on the left side. So along with Robertson, the Leafs went with another left winger in Nick Abruzzese in the fourth round. A bit of a red flag came up when the Leafs went semi-off the board to grab him at 124th, especially seeing that he has a 1999 birthday, but it would seem the Leafs are hoping for him to become a late-bloomer with high upside.

Abruzzese only truly broke out this season when he put up 80 points in 62 games for the Chicago Steel of the USHL, but he’s been touted as a very smart player who can play any forward position and has a knack for playmaking.

While undersized at 5’9 and 163lbs, Abruzzese has the raw skill to make up for it and his fate as a professional hockey player will be determined based on whether or not he can become stronger during his development. He’s committed to play for Harvard University next season, and will likely play out most of his development there until the Leafs decide they’re ready to bring him into the organization.

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