Toronto Maple Leafs 2022-23 Top 10 Prospects List
By James Tanner
Toronto Maple Leafs Draft Strategy
It takes a while for non-blue-chip prospects to develop. Additionally, the Leafs don’t draft safe picks.
They don’t take players they know will make the NHL on the fourth line or as role players.
The Leafs draft with the idea that non-star players are available, for free, whenever you want one, in basically unlimited quantities.
There is no point in burning a draft pick on a player who lacks the upside to be a star player, because you can sign Frederik Gauthier, or his rough equivalent, whenever you want. You don’t have to draft him.
Gauthier, you may remember, was responsible for the best article this site ever put out, about 100 feet tall, and was inexplicably drafted in the first round. Whenever people complain about Kyle Dubas, think about that.
The Leafs do not draft for size, defense, toughness, grinding, or NHL readiness.
The Leafs take swings on longshots. They draft talented, toolsy, players with high upsides. They don’t hesitate to draft small players. They especially look for intelligence, sometimes called “hockey sense,” because that can often compensate for talent in ways that nothing else can.
Eventually, if given enough time, this strategy will prove to be revolutionary. In a cap league, there isn’t much that is more valuable than a player who can contribute to your team in the NHL on an entry-level contract.
The Leafs will eventually get lucky and this strategy will pay off. They haven’t taken a star player outside the first round since Tomas Kaberle was drafted in 1996. Whether it’s Nick Robertson or Matthews Knies, that streak should end soon.