Tip of the Tower
Fansided

Toronto Maple Leafs: 4 Defencemen to Consider in 2017 Draft

By James Reeve

Dec 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock gestures as he speaks to his players during a 3-2 loss to Anaheim Ducks at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock gestures as he speaks to his players during a 3-2 loss to Anaheim Ducks at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
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. The Lightning beat the Maple Leafs 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

2) CALE MAKAR

Brooks Bandits (AJHL) | Canada | 5’11 | 179lbs | Ranked 8th

Makar has been arguably the biggest surprise ahead of the NHL draft this season.

He plays for the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, one level below major junior leagues the WHL, OHL and QMJHL.

The Calgary, Alberta native has never played above this level, but he has a place on the University of Massachusetts (Amherst) for next season – after putting in his best points total.

Last season, Makar, a right-handed shot who stands at 5-foot-11 and 179 pounds, earned 10 goals and 55 total points in 54 games.

This season, the 18-year old has improved his per-game performances with 14 goals and 48 total points in just 35 games.

Makar is not big, but his offensively stats will make him an appealing piece for the Leafs, who have plenty of scoring opportunities with the numerous high-performing rookies on the ice.

His performances have seen him leapfrog a number of other highly-rated defencemen and he could find himself being picked up as low as in the top 10 if he continues to perform well.

Home/Toronto Maple Leafs