Mikhail Abramov #5
Picked in the 4th round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Mikhail Abramov is the Toronto Maple Leafs fifth best prospect. Currently a 19 year old, left handed centre out of the Q, Abramov has rocketed up the Leafs prospect rankings since being picked last year.
Abramov gets the typical Leafs prospect scouting report: intelligent, highly skilled, great work ethic, high “compete,” and as is also typical, he has a flaw that allowed him to be available so low in the draft.
In the Leafs case, these flaws are almost always size and skating, two things the team obviously doesn’t prioritize. The clearly believe these guys can improve their skating, and that puck possession, not speed, is what matters at the NHL level.
Scouts also note that Abramov has an excellent shot. He scored 76 points in the QMJHL last season, and is still a few years away from the NHL.
That being said, he’s got a better chance to actually make the NHL than everyone below him on this list, save maybe Hallander. But Abramov also has a high-end skill level that could potentially allow him to become a star player.
There is, of course, no guarantees, but that’s why he’s #5.