Toronto Maple Leafs 2024 NHL Draft Options: Center
Dean Letourneau
When coaches or general managers talk about having size up the middle, Dean Letourneau is the type of player they're talking about. Letourneau is a 6'7, 209 Lbs center from Braeside, Ontario.
Central Scouting has him listed as 23rd among North American skaters. Overall, he is projected to get drafted late in the first round or early in the second round. Since the Leafs don't own a second-round pick, they could take Letourneau at 23rd overall if he's still on the board.
(All stats from eliteprospects.com)
Letourneau registered 61 goals and 66 assists for 127 points in 56 games for St. Andrews College. His NHL comparable is Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres. He is committed to Boston College in the NCAA for the 2024-25 season.
Jett Luchanko
Jett Luchanko is a 5'11, 183 Lbs center from London, Ontario. Central Scouting has him listed as 20th among North American skaters. He is expected to go anywhere between 18th and 47th in the 2024 NHL draft.
There is a good chance he will be available when the Leafs make their selection at 23. One reason the Leafs may like Luchanko is that he plays a lot like Easton Cowan, who was the Leafs top pick in last year's draft.
Luchanko registered 20 goals and 54 assists for 74 points in 68 games for the Guelph Storm in the OHL. His NHL comparable is William Karlsson of the Vegas Golden Knights. He is only 17 years old but is draft-eligible because he will be 18 (August 21st) by the start of next season. At least one more season in the OHL is likely.