Maple Leafs' Prospect Pool Shows a Clear Shift in Draft Philosophy
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs has top prospect Easton Cowan leading the charge for the future but he's just a small part of their new strategy when it comes to drafting.
Fans have often brought into question the Toronto Maple Leafs' draft strategy over the last decade or so. Sure, the team has brought in stars like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and Matthew Knies; but also struck out a lot with smaller, more finessed players who never could cut it in the NHL.
They've done well to give fans something to be excited about in having Easton Cowan as their top prospect, and with a serious chance at making it this season, he is going to usher in a new era of Maple Leafs prospects.
However, that new era is finally going to have something the team has sorely lacked: Direction.
Easton Cowan and the New Face of Toronto's Prospect Development
If you look at the last few drafts, Toronto was looking to add more physicality and grit, with a focus on adding IQ over excitement.
Victor Johansson has impressed coaches quietly, Ben Danford is a stay at home physical defenseman, and Tinus Luc Koblar is a raw prospect but stands 6'4 and has great hands, it's clear the team is choosing lower ceiling players who can come in as depth rather than superstars.
Cowan is no doubt the most offensively gifted and dynamic prospect the team has, and he's going to be impactful for years, but also has much more grit and nastiness than some give him credit for.
Having an exciting prospect is great, but unless you're a perennial basement dweller, you're not going to have a lot of chances to get those premium stars. So you work with what you have, and draft for the future, not for the next year or two.
Why the Leafs Are Prioritizing Size and Safe-Floor Players in the Draft
It seems the team would rather have players who aren't ready yet and are willing to work on their game, improve in the smaller aspects, and then utilize all their tools to come in later on, and it's not a bad idea; why rush these guys when you have a lineup of stars locked up for the foreseeable future?
Look at who they also have on the Marlies; Noah Chadwick, Cade Webber, William Villeneuve and Jacob Quillan are all players who aren't going to make your eyes pop, but add a solid, well-rounded game and fit well into the Craig Berube system.
Plus, as weird as it may sound; it's a great deterrent for Toronto and their need to add veterans quick.
Why Toronto's Draft Philosophy Matters for the Maple Leafs' Cup Window
Often times they will trade a prospect for a "sure thing" that seems to blow up in their face than it does help them.
But if they have enough young players who are good enough to fit into the bottom-six while others step up; it's going to not only save the Leafs from rushing to make a deal, and also gives them the chance to impress management.
They know their window to win is now, but also understand that history has never been too kind to them when they make these deals. Patience, while frustrating, is the only key to developing a group of young players, and their team is good enough to win; they don't need to trade away the youngsters.
Cowan has been named as a trade target for bringing in a top-six forward, but there are no guarantees, and the question of Toronto's loyalty to their players is going to be under severe scrutiny if they decide to give up on their last hope for a future.
Drafting the next great superstar is always going to entice teams, but there's something to be said about adding players who can supplement your team as opposed to lead it.
There's no 'I' in team after all.
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