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Toronto Maple Leafs: Re-Drafting the 2015 NHL Entry Draft

By Stephen Nixon

SUNRISE, FL - JUNE 26: Head coach Mike Babcock of the Toronto Maple Leafs talks with Mitchell Marner after being selected fourth overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center on June 26, 2015 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
SUNRISE, FL - JUNE 26: Head coach Mike Babcock of the Toronto Maple Leafs talks with Mitchell Marner after being selected fourth overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center on June 26, 2015 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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OTTAWA, ON – JANUARY 11: Thomas Chabot . (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON – JANUARY 11: Thomas Chabot . (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images) /

2012 NHL Draft Re-Draft

#5 Carolina Hurricanes

Actual Pick: Noah Hanifin

Re-Draft: Thomas Chabot

The Hurricanes were on the right path by drafting a defenseman here, but unfortunately they picked the wrong one.

Chabot eats up minutes, and is proving to be one of the best defenseman in the NHL. For an Ottawa Senators team that has been trading talent away left, right and center, they’ve decided to build the team around Chabot, after recently signing him to an 8-year, $64 million extension.

Hanifin has already been traded from Carolina, so the Hurricanes definitely wish they had this pick back.

#6 New Jersey Devils

Actual Pick: Pavel Zacha

Re-Draft: Ilya Samsonov

Since this draft, and potentially since Martin Brodeur left, the New Jersey Devils have had goaltender issues.

Although Samsonov just made his NHL debut this season, he could have been a huge help to a team that looked destined for a playoff spot. Samsonov holds a 16-6-2 record with the Washington Capitals this year and looks prime to be the starting goaltender over vetran Braden Holtby for years to come.

Pavel Zacha on the other hand has been a decent NHL player, but he was drafted way too high in this draft class. As a 6’3 center from Czech Republic, the Devils unfortunately fell into the trap of drafting based off size and position, which happens to many teams every year.

#7 Philadelphia Flyers

Actual Pick: Ivan Provorov

Re-Draft Pick: Ivan Provorov

The Philadelphia Flyers wanted to pick a defenseman in this spot, and although in the real draft they should have drafted Thomas Chabot, they picked up a great player in Ivan Provorov.

It always seems harder for teams to find a world-class defenseman than offensive talent, so the Flyers were fortunate to grab Provorov with this pick.

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