I don't get too excited about the NHL Amateur Draft coming up this weekend. For the Maple Leafs it is almost a non-event most years which is part of their problem. For several seasons (2001, 2002) they drafted well under the direction of Scouting Director Barry Trapp. Trapp's picks make up all the young players on the current Leaf roster (Stajan, Steen, Wellwood, Colaiacovo, White). But John Ferguson dumped Trapp for one of his cronies and new regime is back to questionable draft picks.
Over the pat 10 years, the Leafs have traded 3 first round picks away before drafting (1997, 2003, 2004), traded 2 picks after the draft ( Boyce/2000, Rask/2005) and 1 pick is out of hockey (Cedera/1999) and one will play with the Marlies next season after a so so year in the OHA (Tlusty/2006). That leave only 3 first round picks on the Leaf roster - Antropov (1998), Colaiacovo (2001) and Steen (2002).
Going into the draft the Leafs biggest needs are a #1 centre to replace Sundin who it appears may be in his last season. Steen, Wellwood and Stajan have not shown enough to be more than 2nd or 3rd line players. Also the team should be looking for a power forward. They currently have little size on the wings. They could fill these needs through trades as well. They have a surplus of defensemen which explains why the rumours regarding a trade for Bryan McCabe. Not an easy contract to move. More likely is Stefan Kronwall.
12 years ago
