Leafs explore additional top-10 draft pick
The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking beyond just their No. 1 pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. General Manager John Chayka indicated that the team has explored the possibility of acquiring an additional pick within the top 10 selections. He described the prospect of holding two top-10 picks as “compelling,” but acknowledged that such a move would come with a significant cost.
Chayka noted that discussions have taken place regarding every pick in the top 10, excluding their own. He emphasized that adding two players from the same age group in that part of the draft is an interesting premise. This comes as other teams, such as the Chicago Blackhawks, who traded their No. 4 pick, and the San Jose Sharks, who are open to moving their No. 2 selection, have shown activity in the draft market.
The idea of adding two teenage prospects to the roster, potentially at the expense of a player like Matthew Knies, could align more with a rebuilding strategy. However, Chayka‘s recent actions, including signing Darren Raddysh to an eight-year contract and hiring veteran coach Jim Hiller, suggest a focus on retooling the team. The general manager stated that Knies is an elite power forward, and while all players are subject to evaluation, he currently sees no trade that would improve the team by moving Knies.
The Maple Leafs are widely expected to use their top pick on Gavin McKenna, a scoring winger. Chayka confirmed that the team has settled on their selection for the No. 1 pick. New head coach Jim Hiller welcomed the opportunity to have the first overall pick, drawing parallels to when Auston Matthews joined the team under similar circumstances.
The team will also have six other picks in the draft, including three between 60th and 85th overall, along with a fourth-rounder, two fifths, and a sixth. Chayka highlighted the importance of the draft as a chance to define the team’s identity, emphasizing the value of smart and competitive players.
Morgan Rielly’s future in Toronto
Regarding the future of defenceman Morgan Rielly, John Chayka addressed questions about a potential trade. Despite ongoing discussions with Rielly and his agent, J.P. Barry, Chayka stated that he does not anticipate a trade at this time. Rielly possesses a full no-movement clause in his contract and has provided a list of four teams to which he would accept a trade.
New head coach Jim Hiller expressed strong support for Rielly, stating he could envision the defenceman returning for a season with the Maple Leafs. Hiller, who previously served as an assistant coach with the team when Rielly was an emerging defenceman, praised Rielly as a player and a person. He plans to meet with Rielly next week and hopes he remains part of the team’s future, viewing him as part of the solution.
Chayka also confirmed that Anthony Stolarz is currently considered the team’s No. 1 netminder. The Maple Leafs secured the top pick in the draft lottery after missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 campaign, finishing with a 32-36-14 record.
This draft marks Chayka‘s first with the Maple Leafs since his hiring in April, following four seasons as the general manager of the Arizona Coyotes. The team will enter the next season with a new head coach and general manager, aiming to add significant prospects during the draft on Friday.
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Source: nytimes.com
