Mock Draft 2020 and the Toronto Maple Leafs Big Decision

Kyle Cushman’s Mock Draft

Cushman sees the 2020 Entry Draft playing out very differently than what you just read. Most notably, he is anticipating the Toronto Maple Leafs do something unexpected.

Now that Kyle Dubas and the Toronto Maple Leafs managed to get a ticket into the first round, Cushman expects that they will use it to re-stock the coffers. The perfect dance partner for Toronto is the Devils. They already have three first-round picks, which allows them to make a move.

In Cushman’s mock draft, Tom Fitzgerald, the Devils general manager, uses his third pick in the opening round and his high pick in the second to get the Toronto Maple Leafs number 15 spot. This would put Dubas on the clock for the 20th and 38th overall selections. Those changes are noted by an asterisk in the draft below.

1. New York Rangers – Alexis Lafreniere (LW)

2. Los Angeles Kings – Quinton Byfield (C)

3. Ottawa Senators – Tim Stutzle (C/LW)

4. Detroit Red Wings – Cole Perfetti (C/LW)

5. Ottawa Senators – Jamie Drysdale (D)

6. Anaheim Ducks – Lucas Raymond (LW/RW)

7. New Jersey Devils – Jake Sanderson (D)

8. Buffalo Sabres – Marco Rossi (C)

9. Minnesota Wild – Yaroslav Askarov (G)

10. Winnipeg Jets – Anton Lundell (C)

11. Nashville Predators – Alexander Holtz (RW)

12. Florida Panthers – Jack Quinn (RW)

13. Carolina Hurricanes – Seth Jarvis (C/RW)

14. Edmonton Oilers – Braden Schneider (D)

15. New Jersey Devils – Rodion Amirov (LW)*

16.  Montreal Canadiens – Mavrik Bourque (C)

17. Chicago Blackhawks – Dylan Holloway (C/LW)

18. New Jersey Devils – Dawson Mercer (RW)

19. Calgary Flames – Connor Zary (C)

20. Toronto Maple Leafs – Helge Grans (D)*

21. Columbus Blue Jackets – Kaiden Guhle (D)

22. New York Rangers – Noel Gunler (RW)

23. Philadelphia Flyers – Tyson Foerster (C)

24. Colorado Avalanche – Thomas Bordeleau (C)

The only player in Cushman’s mock draft that doesn’t appear on Borsuk’s list is Thomas Bordeleau. He is a 5’9″ center but there is a good chance that the Avalanche transition Bordeleau to the wing. He shoots left, so if this is the direction the organization chooses to go, Bordeleau may play more minutes as a left-winger.

Bordeleau has good vision on the ice, which meshes well with his sharp passing. He is able to put his skills to use a playmaker who can also fill the net. The biggest downside to Bordeleau’s game at this time is his size. If he were taller, he’d be a more desirable pick for NHL clubs.

25. Washington Capitals – Jan Mysak (RW)

26. St. Louis Blues – John-Jason Peterka (LW/RW)

27. Anaheim Ducks – William Wallinder (D)

28. Ottawa Senators – Hendrix Lapierre (C)

29. Dallas Stars – Brendan Brisson (C)

30. Vegas Golden Knights – Jeremie Poirier (D)

31. San Jose Sharks – Jacob Perreault (RW)

In this draft model, there are many potential high-quality prospects available for the Leafs to select with two picks in the second round. They would hold both the 38th and 44th overall picks.

The NHL Entry Draft is scheduled to take place on October 9th and 10th. It means that there isn’t a long wait to find out exactly how everything will unfold for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the rest of the NHL.