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Looking Back at the Toronto Maple Leafs 2018 NHL Entry Draft

By David Corcoran

TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 15: Rasmus Sandin #38 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 15, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Blackhawks 5-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 15: Rasmus Sandin #38 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 15, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Blackhawks 5-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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KELOWNA, BC – FEBRUARY 17: Riley Stotts #18 of the Calgary Hitmen . (Photo by Marissa Baecker/Getty Images)
KELOWNA, BC – FEBRUARY 17: Riley Stotts #18 of the Calgary Hitmen . (Photo by Marissa Baecker/Getty Images) /

3rd Round, 83rd Overall – Riley Stotts

The Toronto Maple Leafs obtained the 83rd overall pick as one of two draft picks the team acquired in the trade that sent James Reimer to the San Jose Sharks two years previous.

With the third round pick, Dubas decided to leave the OHL, but remain in the CHL by drafting out of the Western Hockey League and selected Riley Stotts from the Calgary Hitman.

Stotts would start his draft season with the Swift Current Broncos which were stacked and the eventual Wester Hockey League champions, however with him being much younger than the teams core players he would be moved before the playoff run.  Midway through the season he was part of load up trade for the Broncos that sent him to the Calgary Hitman.

In Calgary, Stotts had more opportunity on a younger team and took advantage.  In Swift Current, he recorded just three points in 22 games, however as a Hitman, the future Maple Leafs draft pick would record 41-points in 47 games.

When he was drafted, some thought he could eventually turn into a middle six center, however he decided to take a different route.

No contract was ever signed with the Maple Leafs so Stott decided to take advantage of the CHL scholarship program and is currently attending the University of Calgary playing for their team.

Once players go the Canadian University route it is very rare they ever make it to the NHL.

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