Toronto Maple Leafs: Reviewing the 2017 draft class

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June 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty-one first round selections in the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 6, Pick 172: Ryan McGregor, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)

6’0″ / 159 lbs / Burlington, Ontario, Canada

McGregor, from the looks of it, is an interesting pickup in the sixth round.

His coach Derian Hatcher said he has tremendous hockey IQ, but his point totals leave much to be desired. McGregor finished with 27 points this season, good for 12th in scoring on the Sting.

With the log jam in the Leafs system as far as skilled forwards go, the young centre could be waiting a long while before he gets his shot in the Leafs organization. At the very least, he adds more depth and competition in the system.

Round 7, Pick 203: Ryan O’Connell, LD, St. Andrews (Ont. H.S.)

6’1″ / 170 lbs / Gloucester, Ontario, Canada

O’Connell is another project for the Leafs. The seventh rounder has already committed to Boston University.

Next season, he will play for the Penticton Vees of the BCHL before going to the NCAA. If he spends his full tenure at BU, he will be 23.

Next: Potential Leafs targets as free agency opens

Defenders take longer than forwards to come into their own. The Leafs are hoping O’Connell can become a solid player for the organization down the road.

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