The Toronto Maple Leafs and the NHL Entry Draft Combine

During the annual NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo, New York, the Toronto Maple Leafs reportedly met with five potential draft targets.

A process that usually gives teams a better understanding of the type of person a player is off the ice. It also allows them an opportunity to ask any other questions that might help make their draft decision easier.

The more a team can learn about a player before they draft them, the better. They want to know where a player sees themselves in the next few years of development. The draft combine is a very informative weekend for both the players involved and all 32 NHL teams checking in on possible draft targets.

Scott Wheeler from the Athletic was at the combine reporting, as was  Peter Baracchini from the Hockey Writerss, and they reported that Toronto met with Marco Kasper, Bryce McConnell-Barker, Rutger McGroarty, Filip Mesar, and Owen Pickering..

Which of these players will the Toronto Maple Leafs draft on July 7th in Montreal? Will they select someone else?  Trade their pick? They have a month to continue doing their homework and make their final decision.

I thought it would be interesting to do some research on the names Wheeler and Baracchini reported.  Here is a closer look at the five players that Toronto reportedly interviewed at the draft combine.

The Toronto Maple Leafs Interview Prospects

Each of the following five players could become a big part of the Maple Leafs’ future. Which one will Toronto select with the 25th overall pick?

Marco Kasper

Marco Kasper is an 18-year-old center from Innsbruck, Austria. He offers a bit of size at 6’1 and 187 Lbs. His skating ability is said to be top notch too. Kasper recorded seven goals and four assists for 11 points in 46 games for Rögle BK in the SHL. He also recorded six goals and seven assists for 13 points in 12 games with the Rögle BK J20 team.
(Stats from eliteprospects.com)

 Bryce McConnell-Barker

Bryce McConnell-Barker just turned 18 on June 4th. He is a center from London, Ontario, Canada, and is said to be very competitive. McConnell-Barker is 6’1 and 187 Lbs and plays for the Soo Greyhounds in the OHL.

He recorded 23 goals and 26 assists for 49 points in 68 games during the 2021-22 season. McConnell-Barker still needs to work on his consistency but is projected to be a top-six forward at the NHL level.

Owen Pickering

Owen Pickering is left shooting defenseman from St. Adolphe, Manitoba, Canada. He offers a lot of size at 6’4″ and 179 pounds.

Pickering recorded nine goals and 24 assists for 33 points in 62 games for the Swift Current Broncos of the WHL. He has the foot speed and puck control to exit his own zone safely, and is very good at carrying the puck through the neutral zone.  He is not expected to be available when the Leafs pick.

Filip Mesar

Filip Mesar is an 18-year-old winger/center from Spišská Belá, Slovakia.  Mesar is on the small side at 5’10 and 176 Lbs, but he makes up for it with his skating, stick handling, and playmaking.

During the 2021-22 season, Mesar recorded eight goals and eight assists for 16 points in 37 games.

Rutger McGroarty

Rutger McGroarty is an 18-year-old center from Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.   He  offers some size at 6’0 and 205 Lbs, and he uses that size to his advantage.

McGroarty recorded 35 goals and 34 assists for 69 points in 54 games last season for U.S. National U18 Team.   It is unlikely that he will still be available at 25th overall for the Toronto Maple Leafs. If Toronto wants him, they could trade to move up in the draft.