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Toronto Maple Leafs: Early Ranking of Top 10 2016 Draft Prospects

By David Morassutti

Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Mark Hunter announces Mitchell Marner (not pictured) as the number four overall pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs as commissioner Gary Bettman looks on in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Mark Hunter announces Mitchell Marner (not pictured) as the number four overall pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs as commissioner Gary Bettman looks on in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Mark Hunter announces Mitchell Marner (not pictured) as the number four overall pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs as commissioner Gary Bettman looks on in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

With the 2016 NHL draft six months away there will be a lot of attention spent on determining who the Toronto Maple Leafs, who will probably be picking in the top five, will select once they are called to the stage.

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With many young prospects awaiting their hockey future, there is no doubting the impact the 2016 draft can have on the Toronto Maple Leafs for many reasons. There are many people who are hoping Auston Matthews will be the named called, but like the Buffalo Sabres found out last season, being the worst team does not guarantee the top pick.

Right now the Leafs sit 27th in the standings, with the Edmonton Oilers, Sabres and Columbus Blue Jackets below them. At this point the Leafs will most likely be picking in the top five at the draft and like last year there are some great options.

With the fourth overall pick last year the debate for the Leafs was between three players: Dylan Strome, Mitch Marner and Noah Hanifin.

After Strome got picked by the Arizona Coyotes, the Leafs went with Marner at fourth overall, leaving Hanifin to go to the Carolina Hurricanes. There was not as much controversy with the Leafs selecting Marner, because Mark Hunter who was in charge of the draft for the Leafs was very familiar with him.

Toronto Maple Leafs
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Mitchell Marner puts on a team cap after being selected as the number four overall pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Hunter was the one that drafted him in the OHL and Marner possesses that elite skill the Leafs desperately need. Hanifin will be a good defenceman for the Hurricanes, but Marner was a player the Leafs did not have in terms of skill and potential.

The draft will be in Buffalo this year, so there will most likely be a large gathering of Leafs fans who will make the drive over which could add to the experience. Now if the Leafs get the first overall pick, then the arena will be packed with fans.

However, even for a top 10 pick there should be a good representation as well. Here is an early look at 10 prospects the Leafs can consider with their first round pick, and where they rank. 

Note: All stats are as of January 12, 2016. This is not a mock draft, just a ranking.

Next: No. 1: Auston Matthews

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