Potential Toronto Maple Leafs 2024 NHL Entry Draft Choices

Toronto Maple Leafs 2024 NHL Draft Options: Defensemen

Charlie Elick

Charlie Elick is a 6'3, 198 Lbs right-shooting defenseman from Calgary, Alberta.

Central Scouting has him listed as 31st among North American skaters. He is expected to go anywhere between 27th and 57th in the 2024 NHL draft.

There is a good chance he will be available when the Leafs make their selection at 23. There are not many defensemen expected to be available in the first round, so the Leafs might need to draft one that most teams have slated for the second round.

Elick registered four goals and 23 assists for 27 points in 65 games for the Brandon Wheat Kings in the WHL.

His NHL comparable is Esa Lindell of the Dallas Stars. He's not expected to be a big offensive guy but more of a stay-at-home type who hits and blocks shots.

Jesse Pulkkinen

Jesse Pulkkinen is a 6'5, 214 Lbs left-shooting defenseman from Laukaa, Finland.

Central Scouting has him listed as 12th among International skaters.

He is expected to go anywhere between 24th and 42nd in the 2024 NHL draft. Most scouts have him listed as being a second-round pick. He went undrafted last year and is entering this draft as a 19-year-old.

Pulkkinen registered 11 goals and 17 assists for 28 points in 18 games for JYP U20. He also recorded two goals and six assists for eight points in 29 games for JYP in Liiga. His NHL comparable is Darnell Nurse of the Edmonton Oilers. Pulkkinen is expected to play for JYP in Liiga next season.