Toronto Maple Leafs: Reviewing the 2017 draft class
By Austin Owens
Round 2, Pick 59: Eemeli Rasanen, RD, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
6’7″ / 209 lbs / Joensuu, Finland
The Leafs got themselves a big talent (literally) with their second round pick. Rasanen was the tallest player available in the draft at 6 foot 7.
The big Fin was the 32nd ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting.
After coming over to North America, Rasanen finished his rookie season with 33 points, good for fourth in team scoring. Additionally, he was second in points among OHL rookie defenders, second in assists for all rookies, and first in power play assists for rookies.
He is a right shot defender, who says he likes to model his game after Buffalo Sabres defenceman Rasmus Ristolainen. The Leafs are hoping Rasanen could become a similar player down the road.
Round 4, Pick 110: Ian Scott, G, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
6’3″ / 174 lbs / Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Although his stats don’t jump off the board, the Leafs like the abilities Scott brings to the table.
Keeping in mind that Scott played for the Raiders, who finished the season with a 21-44-5 record. However, his .895 save percentage in 50 games shouldn’t cause too much concern.
After all, double-rookie sensation Matt Murray finished with a .894 save percentage in his draft year. Now, comparing the two goaltenders is useless at this point, as developing goalies can be unpredictable, but they can bounce back from their bad draft year performances.
As a fourth rounder, Scott is a low-risk, high reward pick who, from all accounts, has a high ceiling.
Several scouts have stated that Scott is a long-term project, which shouldn’t be an issue for the Leafs, who’s goalie situation has greatly improved since they selected Joseph Woll last year in the third round.
The pair of big-bodied goaltenders should offer Leafs fans a lot of optimism going forward.