Leafs Draft Preview: Later Rounds Talent

Ever since the NHL Draft Lottery took place, there has been tons of speculation as to who the Leafs might take with their fourth overall pick. There's been an ongoing battle between Leafs fans as to whether they should draft Dylan Strome, Mitch Marner, or Noah Hanifin at #4. There has also been additional speculation as to who they should take with their other first round pick, at 24th overall. It's easy to predict who the Leafs could possible take with their first round picks, but what about the later rounds such as third, fourth, and so on? This is where scouting is key, and sometimes lots of talent is found if done properly. Let's take a look back to the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, one of the deepest drafts to ever take place. NHL stars were being drafted in the second round, and further. Shea Weber, Patrice Bergeron, and Corey Crawford were all taken in the 2nd round, while other talented players such as Joe Pavelski, Dustin Byfuglien, and Brian Elliott were all taken in the seventh, eighth, and ninth round. Point is, there is lots of talent in this upcoming draft, and the Leafs need to make sure to scout well and take the right players past the first round. In this article, I'll preview a couple of players the Leafs should consider in the third round and beyond.

1. Travis Dermott (D, Erie Otters, OHL, 5'11, 196)

With two top talents coming out of Erie into this draft, including superstar Connor McDavid, and fellow possible top five pick Dylan Strome, Travis Dermott has gone somewhat overlooked, but his stats don't lie. He posted 45 points in 61 games in the regular season for the Otters, and he had a playoff run to remember, when he stepped up and posted 17 points in 19 games. He is possibly being overlooked due to his size for a defenseman, but he's a smooth skater who has the on ice smarts to anchor a powerplay, and he will be a surefire steal to whoever picks him up in the upcoming draft. He is projected to go somewhere between the mid-to-late second round, but on the offchance that he slips to the early third round, the Leafs should not hesitate to draft him.


2. Daniel Vladar (G, HC Kladno, Czech2, 6'5, 185lb)

Daniel Vladar is among some of the best goalies in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, including Mackenzie Blackwood, Ilya Samsonov, Callum Booth, and others. The huge Czech goalie posted a 1.97 GAA in eight games with HC Kladno. The Leafs lack a true goaltender prospect, and don't really have anybody with starting goaltender potential, except for maybe Antoine Bibeau. Vladar is projected to go somewhere within the middle rounds of the draft, and with the Leafs owning a third round pick, two fourth round picks, and a fifth round pick, they should consider drafting Vladar if he's availible around these picks.

3. Dmytro Timashov (LW, Quebec Remparts, QMJHL, 5'10, 187lb)

From numerous scouting reports, Timashov is an elite offensive player who's small, but quick, and knows how to make plays and shoot the puck. He's yet another player who will likely be passed on due to his size. Timashov came over from Sweden to play for the Remparts in 2014-15, and he put up 19 goals and 71 assists for 90 points in 66 games. He plays a similar style of game to Mats Zuccarello of the New York Rangers, and has the potential to become a top six scoring threat. He's likely to go in the third round, and would be a key addition to the Leafs' prospect pool if they call his name on June 26th.

LONG SHOT: Mitchell Stephens (C, Saginaw Spirit, OHL, 6'0, 187lb)

Mitchell Stephens is a hardworking centre of the Saginaw Spirit, who owns a blistering shot, has great hands, and a high hockey IQ. He knows what to do with the puck, and he captained Team Canada to a bronze medal at the U18's, scoring at just the right time. People are already saying Stephens will be a steal, and he's likely going to go in the second round. If we end up trading one of our canidates such as Tyler Bozak or Joffrey Lupul, we should try to obtain a second round pick and a prospect or roster player in return, and if we can get that second round pick, Stephens is a guy we should look out for.

STAY AWAY FROM: Cameron Askew (C, Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL, 6'3, 195lb)

Cameron Askew looks like a very attractive player to Leafs fans. A big centre with second or third round talent. The problem with Askew is his attitude. He has backed out of two college commitments, including Cushing Academy and Boston University, and he also refused to sign with the Indiana Ice, the team that drafted him into the USHL. Askew looks like a player who has lots of talent, but there is a big change that Askew won't stay loyal to the team that drafts him, so the Leafs might not want to bank on that offchance.

What do you think, Leafs fans? Who should they take with their later picks? Weigh in and leave comments below.