Draft Picks Crisis Forces Brad Treliving to Pivot, Leafs' Backup Plan Revealed

After signing John Prokop and Luke Haymes to free agent contracts this week, the Maple Leafs are trying to load up their farm system with some high quality talent that could turn out to be the next big superstar.

But there may be a reason behind all of the sudden signings, and while it does have to do with a vision of the future, it's just a way for Toronto to get around their lack of assets; mainly first round and premium draft picks.

Given that they traded away both their 2026 and 2027 first round selections in order to acquire Scott Laughton and Brandon Carlo, their pick surplus has thinned out dramatically, and if there's no way to draft the next big thing, then the best way to circumvent that is to just outright sign them.

Haymes is going to be a legit NHL player in due time and if he can continue on his current trajectory, will make fans forget about Fraser Minten and be the next big center for the Maple Leafs to focus on (next to Jacob Quillan).

Not to mention the team also signed forward Borya Valis earlier this season, adding a trio of very exciting prospects to play alongside Easton Cowan, Ben Danford, and Dennis Hildeby as the newest core of the Maple Leafs.

They did miss out on signing Jack Williams, who ended up with a deal straight to the NHL with the Columbus Blue Jackets, but are still potentially in the running for top free agents Karsen Dorwart and T.J. Hughes; both premium targets that could boost Toronto's future even more.

It's a great bit of business from Brad Treliving, because Toronto isn't going to really impress with a trade at the draft (unless it's a blockbuster) and they won't necessarily pick the best of the crop.

Signing some surefire prospects on the cheap can only mean good things for the Maple Leafs, and it could turn out they're the key to bringing the team to glory.