4 targets for the Leafs in the 2018 draft

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Jacob Olofsson – Centre (Timra IK)

From McBain to another big-bodied centreman in Olofsson. I feel like the Toronto Maple Leafs would be best suited to take a centre with their first-rounder this season.

Although they are thin in terms of defensive depth, the Leafs aren’t going to find an instant solution to that problem from their projected spot in this draft.

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At six-foot-two, 185 pounds, Olofsson already has an ideal frame for the NHL at only 17.

Although he played mostly with the J20 team for Timra, he featured in 14 games for the men’s team, which gave him time to play alongside 2017 fifth-overall pick Elias Pettersson.

With Pettersson moving on to Vaxjo in the SHL this season, Olofsson has gotten a bigger role at centre for Timra.

Playing full time in Allsvenskan, Olofsson has five goals and 12 points in 27 games, while only having six penalty minutes.

Olofsson has also had the chance to play alongside Canucks’ top prospects Jonathan Dahlen this season.

We didn’t get a chance to catch Olofsson at the juniors as Sweden went with an older squad. The only underage player they took was Rasmus Dahlin, who was their best defender.

Both Olofsson and top prospect Adam Boqvist were notable snubs for the Swedes.

Sportsnet‘s Jeff Marek gave his thoughts on Olofsson in his November draft rankings:

"A speedy centre who can both distribute and score off the rush with a deadly shot. His line in Timra with draft eligible Filip Hallander and Canucks prospect Jonathan Dahlen has been on fire this season."

Olofsson played for Sweden in last years U-18 World Championships, where he had three goals in seven appearances. Two of those came in the same game against Canada.

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The Leafs love their Swedes. Olofsson can take his time in developing as the Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t in immediate need of a young centreman on their roster. Olofsson has also been described as a player that is comfortable going into the dirty areas.

It would be interesting to see a player with Olofsson’s skills in the North American game.