Toronto Maple Leafs: A Complete Breakdown of All Three Selections
Although the Toronto Maple Leafs did not have a very busy draft in 2021 with only three picks, but they still had a decent draft.
Due to the Nick Foligno trade, the Toronto Maple Leafs had no first round pick. They had to wait until day two to make their selections. Toronto’s three selections were pick 57 in the second round, pick 153 in the fifth round, and pick 185 in the sixth round.
Many were waiting to see if the Leafs and Edmonton Oilers were going to complete a sign and trade for Zach Hyman’s rights, but it never happened. The oilers were offering a 2021 sixth round pick, but Toronto wanted something higher.
Another thing that did not happen in this draft was Kyle Dubas trading down to gather more picks. The Toronto general manager has been known to do that from past drafts, but decided to stand pat this year.
Toronto Maple Leafs Select Matthew Knies
With the 57th overall pick in the 2021 NHL entry draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Matthew Knies from the Tri-City Storm of the USHL. The 18 year old is a 6’3, 205 lbs left winger who can also play center. He has all the makings of a true power forward and is projected to be a left winger at the pro level. (All stats from eliteprospects.com).
With the 57th overall pick in the 2021 @NHL Draft, the @MapleLeafs have selected Storm forward @Matthew_Knies! #StormAhead #WhosNext #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/Ob06yf5vgJ
— Tri-City Storm (@TriCityStorm) July 24, 2021
Last season he recorded 17 goals and 25 assists for 42 points in 44 games. He is good at establishing body position, and tries to win every puck battle no matter what it takes. He is committed to playing at the University of Minnesota for the 2021-22 season.
Toronto Maple Leafs Select Ty Voit
After not being able to make any deals to acquire additional draft picks, Toronto had to wait until round five to make their next selection.
With the 153rd overall pick in the 2021 NHL entry draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected forward Ty Voit. He is a flashy right winger who is a pest for defenders and goaltenders alike.
The newest member of Leafs Nation: Ty Voit #NHLDraft | #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/NdK5g3gpHR
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 24, 2021
Like many other players from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Voit was unable to play during the 2020-21 season. The OHL was shutdown due to restrictions by the provincial government during the covid-19 pandemic.
The last season for checking his stats was the 2019-20 season. During that season with the Sarnia Sting, he recorded eight goals and 20 assists for 28 points in 49 games. Although he did not play in the OHL during the 2020-21 season, he did enter into the PBHH Invitational Tournament which was held in Erie, Pennsylvania. In his 10 games at the tournament, Voit recorded three goals and six assists.
The Pennsylvania native is listed as being 5’10 and 161 lbs, but don’t let his size fool you. He is a great skater and an excellent passer. He drives defenders towards him, then he will do a quick turn around and send a nice pass to an open teammate.
He is also not afraid to be a presence in front of the net. He has the hand/eye coordination to tip pucks past the opposing goaltender.
Voit is currently projected to be a third liner, but has the tool to develop into a top six forward. He will very likely return to the OHL for the 2021-22 season.
Toronto Maple Leafs Select Vyacheslav Peksa
One area where the Toronto Maple Leafs have plenty of depth is in the goaltending position. Something the team has not always had. With that being said, you can never have enough depth in any position.
With the 185th overall pick in the 2021 NHL entry draft, the Maple Leafs selected goaltender Vyacheslav Peksa.
The 18 year-old Russian goaltender is 6’2 and 163lbs. He is not a stranger to the Maple Leafs scouting department. During the 2020-21 season, he played as the backup to another Toronto goaltending prospect, Artur Akhtyamov.
Peksa played in 17 games this season, and finished with a record of 8-5-2. He also finished the season with a 2.57 goals against average (GAA) and a .909 save percentage (SV%). Both Peksa and Akhtyamov play for Irbis Kazan of the MHL. For those that do not know, the MHL is to the KHL what the AHL is to the NHL.
With goaltenders such as Joseph Woll and Ian Scott already in the Leafs AHL system, both Russian netminders will likely stay in Russia for another season or two.
Final Thoughts On Toronto Maple Leafs Draft
I think each of the three players bring a completely different element to the team, and I mean that in a good way. A power forward who can put the puck in the net, a flashy winger who can be a pest, and another goaltender to add to our stockpile.
Leafs Made Right Decision. dark. Next
I look forward to watching these young men develop, and hope to see them in the Blue and White sometime in the next few years.