The Leafs entered the 2013 draft coming off a heartbreaking playoff appearance accompanied with new management.
Despite the aforementioned painful series against the Boston Bruins, there was some hope in Leaf land, the idea of gritty goal-scorer David Clarkson coming home to Toronto was seen as a huge get at the time.
New general manger Dave Nonis would have a busy draft day, trying to ensure the Maple Leafs would be a slam-dunk playoff contender.
A week before the draft, Nonis would trade third-line forward Matt Frattin, backup-goaltender Ben Scrivens, a conditional 2014/15 2nd round pick (2015, traded to CBJ for Gaborik, traded back to TOR in trade down-Travis Dermott), and cash considerations to the Kings for upcoming net minder Jonathan Bernier.
He started draft day by trading picks 51 (Carl Dahlstrom), 117 (Fredrik Bergvik), and pick 98 in 2014 (Frederick Olofsson) for 2-time Stanley Cup champion Dave Bolland.
Then, Nonis and the Leafs’ scouting staff would select five players in hopes of returning to the playoffs with new, young talent.
Six years later, we take a look at their journeys from prospect to pro and where they have ended up in 2019.
This is the fourth instalment in my ‘Where Are They Now” series, so make sure to follow along & catch up with any that you missed below!