The Leafs have failed to supplement their roster with cheap, homegrown talent in recent years after some mostly fruitless drafts during the Lou Lamoriello era, but we may be starting to see the beginnings of the Leafs’ next youth movement. Building through the draft is paramount for any organization looking to sustain success, and the Leafs are hoping this next wave of young players will eventually aid them in doing just that.
Kyle Dubas’ first draft at the helm of the Leafs was in 2018, when they landed Rasmus Sandin with the 29th pick after trading down from the 25th spot. Sandin took the fast track to the NHL and appears to be growing into a player capable of handling top-four minutes, but he isn’t the only player from that draft class who has factored in for the Leafs so far in 2022-23.
Mac Hollowell, who recently earned his first call to the NHL and has registered a pair of assists through six games, was chosen in the fourth round as an overaged prospect. Filip Král was drafted in the fifth round and got his first taste of NHL …

Read More

Author: Nick Richard / The Leafs Nation