Toronto Maple Leafs pre-season prospect rankings: 16-20
17. Filip Kral
Let’s keep the run of defenceman going with the first draft pick from the 2018 draft making the list.
Picked in the fifth round, Kral is a player that the Leafs have had eyes in part because of his connection to Tim Speltz. The former general manager of the Spokane Chiefs was hired by the Leafs as a scout in 2016 and was promoted to head of amateur scouting.
As Kevin Dudley of the Spokesman-Review writes, Kral’s offensive instincts are a big part of his game scoring nine goals, 26 assists and 35 points in 54 games as a rookie. He also had a goal in seven games for the Czech Republic at the World Juniors and he should be there back again.
The Leafs made the blueline a priority at the draft and they’re getting a defenceman that has played some games at the top tier league back in the Czech Republic. He decided to make the move when he was selected by Spokane in the import draft and will be back there again this upcoming season.
Ass Scott Wheeler of the Athletic reports, Kral is expected to miss time with an injury which is a setback but also notes that his strong shot and defensive ability make him an intriguing prospect.
One thing to watch is whether he can recover from his injury and fill out his frame and provide the Leafs with another defensive prospect that can make his way to the Marlies and get into the conversation for a future role with the team.