Editor In Leaf
Fansided

5 Players Toronto Maple Leafs Could Pick In First Round

ByStephen Nixon|
OSHAWA, ON - JANUARY 26: Tyson Foerster #71 of the Barrie Colts skates with the puck during an OHL game against the Oshawa Generals at the Tribute Communities Centre on January 26, 2020 in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Getty Images)
OSHAWA, ON - JANUARY 26: Tyson Foerster #71 of the Barrie Colts skates with the puck during an OHL game against the Oshawa Generals at the Tribute Communities Centre on January 26, 2020 in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Getty Images)
5 of 6
Toronto Maple Leafs
Jun 22, 2018; Dallas, TX, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas announces the number twenty-nine overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

#2. Yaroslav Askarov, G (St. Petersburg, KHL)

Askarov is the number-one ranked goaltender for the 2020 NHL Entry Draft and has potential of becoming a world-class goaltender.

Here’s what Daniel Tiffany of Dobber Prospects had to say about his game:

"“The most highly touted prospect at the goalie position since Carey Price. Russian phenom Yaroslav Askarov blends great positioning and incredible athleticism to make difficult saves look easy.”"

Tiffany isn’t the old scout to predict that he could be as good as Price. TSN’s Craig Button projected the exact same thing, while mentioning the following:

"“His physical attributes and ability to read the play puts him in a category of excellent prospect. He has composure, an assuredness and a defiance in the face of challenges.”"

Although the Toronto Maple Leafs could be set up with a future number-one goaltender if they draft him, it’s unsure whether or not he’ll actually be there at 15 still. Many projections have him getting selected by Nashville (11th overall) or Carolina (13th). If Askarov is still available when it’s time for the Leafs to pick, they should seriously consider him.

Picking a goaltender in the first round is very risky, but if he’s going to turn into Price, having a goaltender like that on an Entry-Level Contract would be unbelievable and potentially extend Toronto’s opportunity to win a Stanley Cup even longer.

Home/Editorials