The 2014 NHL Draft: Do The Leafs Still Take William Nylander?
In the 2014 NHL Draft, the Leafs selected William Nylander with the 8th overall pick in Round 1. In Round 3 they took Rinat Valiev at 68th overall. Other Leafs' picks included: J.J. Piccinich (R4, 103), Dakota Joshua (R5, 128), Nolan Vesey (R6, 158), and Pierre Engvall (R7, 188).
Who were the other notable NHL players taken in this draft? David Pastrnak was selected 25th overall in the first round by the Boston Bruins. Brayden Point came to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the third round with the 79th overall pick. In Round 4, Devon Toews was taken 108th overall by the New York Islanders.
What is our analysis of the Leafs' 2014 NHL Draft? Nylander's stock is rising and he might someday reach fifty goals in a season. Pastrnak has already done that. He has consistently performed better over the years. Welcome to Toronto, David!
At pick number 68 in Round 3, the Leafs say goodbye to Valiev. The choice now becomes Point. With pick 103 in Round 4 of our retrospective the Leafs now take Devon Toews to help further solidify their defense.
What is the net result of the Leafs' 2014 NHL Draft? Point now joins forces with Auston Matthews to provide the Leafs with a formidable duo up the middle for years to come. Toews brings some grit and offense to our continued makeover of the Leafs' defensemen.