The 2023 NHL draft is just a few weeks away, so I thought it would be a good idea to take a look back at how the Toronto Maple Leafs 2022 NHL draft is progressing.
The Toronto Maple Leafs made just five picks, all on day two of the draft.
However, they all seem to be progressing well, especially given the lack of picks and only making two selections in the first three rounds.
It is way too early to hand out any concrete grades but it is always good to look back and see how things are going along the way. So, without further adieu, let us look at how each player is doing one year later.
Toronto Maple Leafs 2022 NHL Draft Selections
Fraser Minten, C/W
The Toronto Maple Leafs coupled their first round pick last season at 25th overall with Petr Mrázek to trade down to the 38th overall pick. That is where they selected Fraser Minten from the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL.
The trade seemed like a win at the time in terms of the pick value difference and the cap space the Leafs were gaining from the trade. It still seems like a win, one year later as Fraser Minten has continued his development and improved.
The biggest noticeable jump in Minten’s game is his goal scoring. He went from 20 through 67 games in 2021-22 to 31 in 57 games in 2022-23. Overall, his points-per-game (PPG) average went from 0.82 last season to 1.18 this past season.
The big jump in production comes despite Minten consistently playing all around the top-nine as a centre and wing, and only occasionally getting a spot on the top line.
The big knock on Minten was him being perceived as a “safe pick”. A player who is defensively responsible and who had a limited upside, likely being a middle-six centre at the next level. He was also praised for having a high hockey IQ which makes him a wildcard.
As well, his stats in the Memorial Cup show that he does provide value in an offensive role, being one of the top zone entry players. This skill will serve him well at the next level, in any role he carves out for himself.
Next season with the likely graduation of players like Logan Stankoven, Ryan Hofer, Daylan Kuefler, and others. He should see an increased role for the Blazers. It remains to be seen where he ends up in the future but so far, he has progressed well. (stats for this article eliteprospects.com).