The Best Case Scenario Off-Season for the Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a very busy summer ahead of them. Here is the best case scenario version of what could happen.

Apr 27, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitch Marner (16) celebrates scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY / Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

3 of 7

A Big Controversial Move

Anton Silayev is a 6'7" Russian Monster who skates well and has played "meaningful" minutes in the KHL at the age of 17.

I have seen him listed anywhere from the top five all the way down to 23rd.

The thing is, if he was of any other nationality he'd probably be a no-doubt top-five pick. The risk is that he will stay in Russia, although I don't recall that ever happening it is something teams always seem to be worried about.

The reason he isn't going to be the first overall pick is because his offensive game is a mystery. Some people don't think it will be good enough to make him anything other than a bottom-pairing defensesman in the NHL.

I would take the risk because of his size and skating.

After the draft starts and I see how the top of the draft shakes out, I package my 23rd pick and Easton Cowan to the first team after pick 5 that will let me, and I move up and take Anton Silayev.

Cowan is a nice find and maybe he becomes a star. But as the Leafs GM I am hesitant to build around forwards right now, and I like the idea of making my top prospect a 6'7" beat who can skate.

Home/Maple Leafs News