Mock NHL Entry Draft: Toronto Maple Leafs Draft 23rd

The NHL Entry Draft is Friday Night, here is a mock draft ! The Toronto Maple Leafs have the 23rd selection.

Apr 11, 2024; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Boston U. forward Macklin Celebrini (71) carries the puck in the semifinals of the 2024 Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament during the third period against Denver at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports / Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

2 of 8

1. Macklin Celebrini San Jose Sharks

This is the only pick I know I will get right! The Sharks are drafting a really good player here who, even though he isn't projected to be on the level of an Auston Matthews or Connor McDavid, should be at least as good as a Jack Hughes-type top pick.

2. Anton Silayev Chicago Blackhawks

Many mock drafts have Silayev much lower, but I am basing this total guess on the fact that NHL teams love big defenseman and this is the biggest one to come into the league since Zdeno Chara.

Silayev is 6'7 and an absolute beast. He has aleady played a full season in the KHL and would be an awesome player to pair with Connor Bedard in the Blackhawks rebuild.

3. Ivan Demidov Anaheim Mighty Ducks

Most people seem to expect the Russian forward to go second to Chicago, but I don't see how anyone not getting Celebrini can pass on the 6'7 defenseman, so I predict Demidov will end up in Anaheim where he will get to play with Leo Carlson and Mason McTavish.

The Ducks are starting to look superb and should be a very exciting team to follow in the near future.

Home/Maple Leafs News