23 Options for the Toronto Maple Leafs at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft - Cole Hutson
By Austin Kelly
QUOTES/SHIFTS
"He’s not as boom/bust as he’s made out to be, but there may be a lower ceiling then was initially hoped." - David Saad (DobberProspects)
"He executes some beautiful stretch passes. He’s got great touch and feel on his backhand as well as his forehand. And he's holding his own defensively for my money." - Scott Wheeler (The Athletic)
"Cole's got more of a physical element to his game than Lane does and plays opponents really hard so that his size is less noticeable" - Scott Wheeler
"He's very offensively skilled and an outstanding puck-mover with a high-end offensive brain who can run a power play like a pro." - Corey Pronman (The Athletic)
"Cole likely has more potential than Lane, who most now think was a steal in the late second round. He is an electric player on the ice who dances around with the puck on his stick and often dictates the play. Hutson has the potential to be a PP1 Quarterback at the NHL level and be the offensive catalyst for a team from the back end. " - Andy Miller (DraftPro Scouting)
In conclusion, the Toronto Maple Leafs could do a lot worse than Cole Hutson. He may be a reach at 23, but the Leafs aren't shy about trading down, and if they do he could be a player they covet.