There's an old joke that still runs around today, about how Leafs fans continue to plan the parade and hope for a cup each year, but to no avail. This year, this joke doesn't work. A large fraction of Leafs fans have accepted the fact that the purpose of this season is to sign veterans to one year contracts to give top prospects such as William Nylander, Mitch Marner, and Kasperi Kapanen to develop in the minors until they're ready for regular NHL time. With that all being said, I thought i'd take a far look ahead to the 2016 NHL Draft and take a look at some potential pickups for the Leafs.
TORONTO'S PICK PROJECTION: 1-3
Everyone knows that the Leafs will be bottom feeders this season, so let's take a look at some potential pickups within that range.
AUSTON MATTHEWS (C, 6'2, 194lb, ZSC Lions, National League A)
The only way Matthews will become a Leaf on draft day is if they win the lottery, considering he's the favourite to go #1 overall. That being said, the Leafs have a good chance to win the lottery this season, which is why I feel it's reasonable to put him on the list of potential picks. Matthews is an interesting story. An Arizona native, Matthews spent his career playing for, or rather absolutely tearing up the USNTDP. He recorded 116 points in 60 games with the US National U18 team, and previously recorded 48 points in 24 games for the USNTDP juniors. He made an interesting decision this offseason, signing with the ZSC Lions of the National League A in Switzerland, and he's already doing well there with 5 points in 4 games. He's a big centre who can score goals and has good vision on the ice. Needless to say, he would be a steal of a pickup for the Leafs on draft day.
JAKOB CHYCHRUN (D, 6'2, 194lb, Sarnia Sting, OHL)
If the Leafs don't win the lottery and Matthews ends up being taken #1 overall, then I strongly believe Chychrun is the player that the Leafs should pursue. He's a big, two way defenseman that has a knack for goal scoring, even as a defenseman, and he can be trusted in his own zone. The Boca Raton, Florida native holds dual citzenship between Canada and USA, and grew up playing Minor Midget AAA for the Toronto Jr Canadiens of the GTHL. In his first season with the Sting, he recorded 33 points in 42 games. You can expect an increase in points from Chychrun this seasons.
JESSE PULJUJARVI (LW, 6'3, 196lb, Karpat, SM Liiga)
Puljujarvi has been labeled by some experts as the next Teemu Selanne. That's a big name to live up to, but it wouldn't be surprising to see it happen given this kid's skill level. He will play his first full season in the SM Liiga this season, last year he recorded 18 points in 11 games as a member of the Karpat U20 team, and then transferred to the big league and put up 11 points in 21 games. He's a big winger who has a knack for goal scoring and is quick on his feet for a player of his size at 6'3. He would be a great consolation prize if the Leafs miss out on Chychrun/Matthews.
Thanks for reading.
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