The Toronto Maple Leafs currently sit in the eighth spot for the upcoming NHL draft. Unless that pick is a total swing and a miss, they should land a top-six forward or a top-four defenceman if they remain there.
While there is no generational superstar in this year's draft—there could be two next year in Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel.
The top-four players in this year's draft should be strong NHL players unless something very unexpected happens. Predicting future NHL success for 17- and 18-year-old hockey players is an inexact science, but elite prospects tend to have successful careers.
Not always, with Rick Dipietro and Alexandre Daigle being two notable exceptions.
While the Leafs have several areas of need, they must upgrade their defence immediately. The club also needs to add a centre who can play in their top six in the next year or two.
The ever-present salary cap is an ongoing concern and ultimately, no one knows the organizational plan outside of a handful of individuals in the Leafs' management group.
Adding a top-pairing defenceman or a domin ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by James Onusko
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