Tip of the Tower
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
11 of 11
Next
Toronto Maple Leafs
Dec 15, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The Toronto Maple Leafs logo at center ice before the start of the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Honourable Mentions

Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod could be an intriguing option outside of the top five, because of the fact many scouts have him anywhere from 7 to 18 in the draft. He has 45 points in 39 games, but what makes him an intriguing option is that he has great skating and is a difficult player to contain.

Button has had a tough time pinning where McLeod could go in the draft:

“Michael McLeod is a very interesting player – he could go much higher than 13. You talk to different people around the league, they love his competitiveness. He’s an elite skater.”

McLeod could be in the conversation for the Leafs second first round pick, assuming the Pittsburgh Penguins make the playoffs. Toronto do need a centre with strong two-way play, because they have more players who are considered one-dimensional.

The Leafs may not pick McLeod at all or even in the top 10. However, he should be someone to keep an eye on if he falls low enough in the first round.

Dante Fabbro

Dante Fabbro has the advantage of playing in the BCHL and the option to go to the NCAA afterwards, which is what he plans to do next season. Fabbro currently plays with the Penticton Vees, but  has committed to go to Boston University next season.

Button has Fabbro in the conversation of being among the top defencemen available in the draft. He will take some time to develop his game as a dependable two-way player.

Fabbro has a good shot and is really good at intercepting passes and breaking up plays in the defensive zone. He could be another option if he somehow slides lower in the draft rankings.

Next: Maple Leafs: Mike Babcock Discusses this Season Leafs Lunch

If the Leafs do not get a top three pick, then who should they select in the 4-10 range? Let us know in the comments section below. 

Home/Toronto Maple Leafs