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Re-Drafting Toronto Maple Leafs History: 2013 NHL Entry Draft

By Stephen Nixon

NEWARK, NJ - JUNE 30: Frederik Gauthier poses with the front office after being selected number twenty one overall in the first round by the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center on June 30, 2013 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - JUNE 30: Frederik Gauthier poses with the front office after being selected number twenty one overall in the first round by the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center on June 30, 2013 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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NEWARK, NJ – JUNE 30: Frederik Gauthier poses with the front office after being selected number twenty one overall in the first round by the Toronto Maple Leafs. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ – JUNE 30: Frederik Gauthier poses with the front office after being selected number twenty one overall in the first round by the Toronto Maple Leafs. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

The Toronto Maple Leafs had the 21st selection in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

With the 21st pick, the Toronto Maple Leafs picked a fan favourite: Freddie “The Goat” Gauthier.

Although Gauthier hasn’t turned into a dominant centre in the NHL, he’s played 168 career games and currently had his best season with seven goals.

The Leafs had not had a dominant centre since Mats Sundin left and the 6-foot-5, 240 pound giant from Quebec was hoped by some to be that replacement.

Having represented Team Canada at the World Junior Championships two seasons in a row, Guathier was a good enough junior player to play for his country, but that didn’t translate professionally.

When he first entered the professional ranks with the Toronto Marlies, it was clear that his skating needed work. With such a big frame, he was still learning proper weight transfer to make his legs keep up with his upper body.

By working with Barb Underhill, Gauthier’s skating has improved drastically over the years and it’s a reason why he’s an everyday player with the Maple Leafs.

If you look back at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, it’s pretty stacked with reliable players in the first round. Compared to other drafts, there really aren’t too many busts.

In a re-draft, Gauthier falls outside of the first round but it doesn’t exactly mean he’s a bust either, as the 21st pick in the draft typically isn’t a superstar player.

Let’s take a look back at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft in detail, re-drafting the entire first round.

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