#1. Nick Abruzzese
Drafted: Round 4, 124th overall, 2019 NHL Entry Draft
Position: Centre, shoots right
Like many Toronto Maple Leafs prospects, Abruzzese is an under-sized forward. However, like most of them, he has a ton of skill and promise.
The one reason you may not have heard of Abruzzese yet is because of where he plays. Having played junior hockey in the USHL, he moved onto the NCAA with Harvard University. Since he’s not playing in the traditional OHL, QJMHL or WHL, he may have been flying under the radar, but shouldn’t be.
After getting drafted in the fourth round, there wasn’t much expectations for Abruzzese. However, he’s continued to excel well beyond his draft position. In his rookie season, he was named NCAA ECAC Rookie of the Year after scoring 44 points in 31 games.
It’s unsure whether or not Abruzzese will play centre or wing at the professional level, but either way would be a blessing for the the Toronto Maple Leafs. The team only has a handful of forwards signed in two seasons (when Abruzzese would be getting looked at), and with $40M still tied up in four forwards, they’ll need Entry Level Contracts to fill out the roster.
Abruzzese’s play-making skills and offense are definitely his best components, so the Toronto Maple Leafs and their fans should hope that continues in the NCAA for the next few years, before he’s ready to make the jump to the NHL.