Toronto Maple Leafs: 2021 NHL Entry Draft Preview

The Toronto Maple Leafs won’t be that busy this weekend, as they only have three draft picks in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

The NHL Entry Draft used to be the Toronto Maple Leafs only hope when it came to building a winner, but they’ve taken a different approach this season by only having three picks. Although that may sound scary, they did select 12 prospects last year, so in a two-year basis, they’re actually treading above water.

This draft is completely different than any other, so it was a smart strategy to load up on picks last season, instead of this year. Since there were very few junior games and teams couldn’t travel to scout, nearly as much as previous year’s, you could find a first-round talent in the third-round. Or, you could pick a player in the top-10 who turns into a bust.

It’s a crap-shoot this year, but we’ll breakdown a few picks who Toronto may be targeting with their three picks.

Toronto Maple Leafs: 2021 NHL Entry Draft

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be hold the 57th, 153rd and 185th overall selections in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

Since it’s a fun exercise, I’ll break down a famous former pick in that selection, in addition to a few players who are projected to still be within that pick.

Let’s go:

Round 2, 57th Overall

• Famous Player:
  • Matt Stajan, 2002, Toronto Maple Leafs
• Projected Players:
  • Ryan Winterton, Right Wing
  • Evgeni Kashnikov, Defenseman

Winterton played for Team Canada at the U-18’s and is a two-way forward who can score. He unfortunately didn’t get to play a regular season due to Covid, but is projected to be a “B Prospect” at the moment.

Kashnikov is a body-body defenseman at 6-foot-4, 200 pounds. Based on that size at such a young age, he still has time to grow and develop. He seems to be your typical defensive defenseman who is good in one-on-one battles.

Round 5, 153rd overall

• Famous Player:
  • Craig MacTavish, 1978, Boston Bruins
• Projected Players:
  • Oliver Kapanen, Right Wing
  • Joseph Vrbetic, Goaltender

If you see the Kapanen last name and are wondering if he’s related to Kasperi Kapanen, you are correct. Oliver is actually Kasperi’s cousin and TheEliteProspects 2021 Draft Guide had high praise for him saying:

"“Kapanen’s game is all about his instincts in the offensive zone combined with lethal finishing skills from close and mid-range. He recognizes space well and takes advantage of even the slightest mistakes by the opposing defences. He has some gravitational elements as a playmaker, being able to draw in pressure before dishing the puck to an open teammate”"

Vrbetic had pretty bad statistics during his last year with the North Bay Batallion but he’s getting some recognition for his size. At 6-foot-6, 180 pounds, that’s ideal size for the modern-day goaltender, so he could turn into something special down the road.

Round 6, 185th overall

• Famous Player:
  • Jim Thompson, 1984, Washington
• Projected Players:
  • Chandler Romeo, Defenseman
  • Trevor Wong, Centre

Romeo is another player who didn’t get to play a 2020-21 season due to Covid, but showed some offensive skill in junior hockey. At 6-foot-5, he’s a big body defenseman who is good in front of the net, but could potentially run a power-play as well.

Overall, the Toronto Maple Leafs may not have a lot of picks, but they still have potential to find another marquee prospect in this year’s draft. It’s going to take a lot of luck, but it’s definitely possible.