Toronto Maple Leafs: 4 Defencemen to Consider in 2017 Draft
By James Reeve
4) NICOLAS HAGUE
Mississauga Steelheads (OHL) | Canada | 6’6 | 214lbs | Ranked 21st
The biggest, and most realistic potential draft pick by the Leafs, in this list is Mississauga Steelheads left-handed defenceman Nicolas Hague.
Hague is currently ranked as the 21st best prospect in the upcoming draft and, if the Leafs find themselves at least making the playoffs, he is a player that could be available to them.
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The 18-year old is a beast of a man, standing at a towering 6-foot-6 and weighing 214 pounds – giving him the physique Leafs’ coach Mike Babcock might be exceptionally interested in.
Roman Polak is the team’s, quote-on-quote ‘shut down’ defenceman and is utilised with his large body in mind.
Hague, who has improved his offensive skills this season, could also be used in such a manner for the Leafs and might be another player the team find stepping into the team from day one.
The Kitchener, Ontario, native could be the most likely to be drafted by the Leafs of all the defencemen listed, but each one has strengths that could prompt the team to make a move.
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Which of these players would you like to see the Leafs go after the most? Should the team trade up to acquire a higher-rated player, or would landing the big-bodied Hague be acceptable? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.