NHL Mock Draft 2015: Toronto Maple Leafs Select….?
NHL Mock Draft 2015: Toronto Maple Leafs Select….?
Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; William Nylander puts on a team sweater after being selected as the number eight overall pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
After considering many draft rankings and mock draft here is my mock NHL draft for the first round, including what the Toronto Maple Leafs will do with both of their picks:
No. 1: Edmonton Oilers- Connor McDavid
Position: Center
Junior Team: Erie Otters
47 GP- 44 goals- 76 assists- 120 points
What can be said about McDavid, which has not been said already? He is a player that does not come around often. He will definitely help the Oilers moving forward, but unless the team improves on defence and between the pipes, it will be tough for McDavid to succeed.
No. 2: Buffalo Sabres- Jack Eichel
Position: Center
Junior Team: Boston University
40 GP- 26 goals- 45 assists- 71 points
A very talented player that Buffalo should be content with having, after they lost in the McDavid sweepstakes. The tricky part about Eichel is that he either wants to be in the NHL next season or go back to Boston. Buffalo will have to be smart with the way they handle that situation.
No. 3: Arizona Coyotes- Dylan Strome
Position: Center
Junior Team: Erie Otters
68 GP- 45 goals- 84 assists- 129 points
Can Strome break out of McDavid’s shadow? The Coyotes would be nuts not to roll the dice on a player who has the size, offence and smarts to be a elite number one centre.
No. 4: Toronto Maple Leafs- Mitch Marner
Position: Center/RW
Junior Team: London Knights
63 GP- 44 goals- 82 assists- 126 points
The Leafs will have to play the wait and see approach with their fourth overall pick, especially if the Coyotes decide to trade their pick. Many believe Strome will go third overall if Arizona keeps their pick, which means the Leafs could have a tough choice between Marner or one of the top ranked defencemen.
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If picking based solely on talent then the Leafs should take Marner, because he is one the most skilled players in the draft, behind McDavid and Eichel. He was three points shy of the OHL scoring lead, and has drawn comparisons to Patrick Kane and former Leaf Doug Gilmour.
It would be wise for Toronto to bolster their top six with as much talent as possible and if Marner can continue to bulk up, he will be a vital part of the Leafs foundation for years to come. That does not mean they would not consider Strome if he is still available at number four, but again, that is a big “if”.
No. 5: Carolina Hurricanes- Noah Hanifin
Position: Defense
Junior Team: Boston College
37 GP- 5 goals- 18 assists- 23 points
The Hurricanes desperately need help on the blueline and if Hanifin or Provorov is there, then they will be happy to take either. Hanifin has great skating and he can also log big minutes.
The challenge will be whether he is ready for an increased workload after the NCAA? If given the time in the AHL, the Hurricanes will be happy to know they came away with a player that could have been taken at third overall. as believed in the initial rankings.
Next: Picks 6-10