Toronto Maple Leafs Draft Targets: Defensive prospects

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: K'Andre Miller #19 of Team USA attempts a shot in the third period during the game against the Omaha Lancers on Day 3 of the USHL Fall Classic at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex on September 30, 2017 in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

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With the Toronto Maple Leafs officially picking 25th in the 2018 NHL Draft, we analyze a few defenders who would look good in blue and white

It’s only been a month since the last edition of this ongoing series was done, but in the world of hockey, plans can change for a team in just a few weeks. Take the Toronto Maple Leafs for example.

Prior to the first round of the playoffs, it seemed as though the Leafs’ defensive core would hold up until the offseason. Seven games later and now the main focus of the offseason is help on the blue line for the Buds.

While the team can’t sign any key free agents before July 1, the draft is the first opportunity to add solid pieces for the future.

The Leafs will be picking later in the draft than they did last time around. With both San José and Pittsburgh being bounced from the playoffs, the Leafs now officially hold the 25th pick in the first round.

While they won’t be able to add one of the top flight defensive prospects of the 2018 class, there are some very solid options in the back half of the first round. We’re going to cover a few of them here.

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