It’s prospect mailbag time, folks!
Over the past couple of days, we compiled questions on Twitter regarding the Toronto Maple Leafs prospect pool, from the Marlies to the Growlers and those outside of the system, as well as some on tomorrow’s NHL Entry Draft.
After Nick Richard and I (Kyle Cushman) teamed up for the last prospect mailbag, Jon Steitzer and Nick Barden are joining us for this one. There’s plenty to get to, so let’s dive right into things.
2022 NHL Entry Draft
Assuming Toronto takes the highest-ranked player available at 25, does that prospect instantly become the top prospect in the organization? (@Matt06121981)
KC: I don’t think so. The advanced timelines for the top three prospects currently in the system (Knies, Robertson, and Niemela) and the quality seasons they had likely mean whoever the Leafs pick will slot in as the organization’s #4 prospect to start, at least for me.
JS: If we’re going off of Craig Button’s list and Toronto magically ends up with Frank Nazar, then yes. He’s the top prospect in the organization. Otherwise, the player that comes in at the 25th spot has a good chance to earn that spot over the course of the next season but is unlikely to be a surefire top organizational prospect. The Leafs have done well enough without 1st round picks to make it an automatic thing.
NB: I’m going to say no. …
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Author: Kyle Cushman / The Leafs Nation
