This is the fourth installment of my draft retrospective series where I will be looking at the Toronto Maple Leafs 2017 NHL Draft.
The Toronto Maple Leafs entered this draft with seven total picks. It should be noted that the Leafs would have held nine but included a 2017 second in the deal for Frederik Andersen and had traded another one away for Brian Boyle at the 2017 deadline.
The Leafs held; One first (17th overall), a second (59th overall), two fourths (110th and 124th overall), a fifth (141st overall), a sixth (172nd overall), and a seventh (203rd overall).
They did not have a third round pick in the 2017 because it was sent to the Detroit Red Wings as compensation for hiring head coach Mike Babcock.
It is odd that the Leafs did not have more picks given they were only one year out from drafting first overall. Many felt that they should have sold more players but due to them being in the playoff hunt, Leafs management decided to “buy” at the deadline.
This was the final of the Mark Hunter/Lou Lamoriello era. So far, the drafts have not been good but as they say, third time’s a charm right?