Sam McCue - 7th Round, 216th Overall
The prospect from the 2024 Draft Class that may have seen their stock rise the most this season is seventh round selection Sam McCue. After collecting 37-points in 68 games split between the Peterborough Petes and Owen Sound Attack in his draft season, he already has 46-points in 47 games this season.
In January he was acquired from Owen Sound by the Flint Firebirds and has scored nine goals and 15-points in 12 games since the trade.
Firebirds scout Mike Oliverio had this to say when he was acquired “Sam is a guy who sets the example for the rest of the team. He takes and deals out punishment, grinds for every puck, and does what it takes to win games. He brings energy to his team every time he is on the ice, and uses it effectively when forechecking, battling in front of the net, and annoying his opponents."
McCue has yet to sign an entry level contract.
Nathan Mayes - 7th Round, 225th Overall
With the very last selection of the draft, which was acquired in one of the two trades to acquire more picks, the Maple Leafs draft 6'4" left handed defenseman Nathan Mayes.
Despite missing nearly a month early in the season Mayes has already surpassed his point totals from his draft year in two-thirds the games. After scoring just one goal last year, he has already collected four this year
Mayes has helped lead the team to a 34-16-1 record to the start the season and will likely finish with home-ice advantage in the playoffs. He has yet to sign an entry level contract.