Toronto Maple Leafs: 4 targets in the 2018 draft

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TORONTO,ON – DECEMBER 19: A general view of the Carolina Hurricanes skating against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at the Air Canada Centre on December 19, 2017 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Hurricanes 8-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

It’s never too early to look ahead to the draft, especially if you’re the Toronto Maple Leafs, who could add several new solid pieces in June.

As the 2017-18 NHL season reaches its halfway point, the Toronto Maple Leafs currently sit third in the Atlantic Division with 52 points. It’s way too early to consolidate on final draft rankings, but prospects have been moving up and down big boards since the beginning of the season.

Take last year for example. At this point in the season, Timothy Liljegren was still a top-five rated prospect. Fast-forward to June, and the Swedish defender fell to the Leafs with the 17th pick in the draft.

There are two glaring needs for the Leafs in the 2018 draft: More defence and a centre. The team has some of the best wing depth in the league, and now, some solid goaltenders in the system.

The likelihood is the Leafs will select around the 20th pick or later. Here are some names to keep an eye on as the season progresses:

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4 targets for the Leafs in the 2018 draft

By Austin Owens | Jan 8, 2018

It’s never too early to look ahead to the draft, especially if you’re the Toronto Maple Leafs, who could add several new solid pieces in June.