How the Toronto Maple Leafs Stole the 2021 NHL Entry Draft

No one knew what the Toronto Maple Leafs had planned for the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Today, we know they spent their time fleecing the rest of the league.

The Toronto Maple Leafs went into the 2021 NHL Entry Draft with low expectations. They had just three picks over all seven rounds, with their highest at 57-overall in the second-round. Their other two selections were in the fifth and sixth rounds. With very few bullets, the Leafs still managed to hit the mark in a big way.

The prized pick in the draft was Owen Power. He went first-overall to the Buffalo Sabres. Matty Beniers, who played with Power for the University of Michigan went next to the Seattle Kraken. Third was Mason McTavish who was selected by the Anaheim Ducks. All three of those players have already become regulars for their respective NHL clubs.

Beyond the top three selections, there was a significant drop off in NHL ready talent. It makes what General Manager Kyle Dubas and the Maple Leafs managed to do even that more impressive.

Toronto had to wait until the second round because they acquired Nick Foligno and Stefan Noesen ahead of the 2021 trade deadline. Unfortunately, giving up their first-rounder as part of the three team exchange ended in disappointment for the Leafs. That’s because their additions from the Columbus Blue Jackets and San Jose Sharks didn’t keep them from being eliminated in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Montreal Canadiens.

As it turns out, even without a pick in the first, third, fourth, and seventh rounds, the Leafs managed to strike gold and steal the draft.