Maple Leafs Reportedly Targeting One Position in 2025 Draft Combine Interviews
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs have one goal in mind when it comes to the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, and it involves everything you expect but mainly: A lot of size.
If you're Brad Treliving, you probably feel like an outsider when it comes to the 2025 NHL Draft.
The Maple Leafs don't have a ton of premium picks in general, and with only one second and third round pick (Florida and Colorado respectively); the pickings are slim.
However, a new report coming out of the Draft Combine shows the Maple Leafs do still have a plan and it's a big one; literally.
Toronto aiming to add mid-tier big-bodied defenseman
I mean, did you expect anything less from a Brad Treliving and Craig Berube tandem? It almost feels like a requirement to be over 6'0 and 200 pounds to even get a look.
Which must be good news for some of these prospects then, and The Hockey Writers' Andrew Forbes recently spoke with a few of them; but the ones listed are ones targeted by Toronto's scouting staff.
They are as follows:
- Brady Peddle (D) (Waterloo Black Hawks, USHL)
- Jackson Smith (D) (Tri-City Americans, WHL)
- Carter Amico (D) (USA U-18, NTDP)
- Max Pšenička (D) (Portland Winterhawks, WHL)
- Sascha Boumedienne (D) (Boston University, NCAA)
So let's take a look at each one and see what they offer.
Toronto's draft options: A brief breakdown
Brady Peddle (D)
Peddle, a 6'3 defenseman who decided to play in the USHL for his junior career, and is committed to playing for Michigan State next season.
Offering a gritty and physical game, he hits like a train, can make smart and quick transition passes, and isn't fazed about playing in Toronto or any Canadian market.
He explained to Forbes:
That would be my dream, but rough fans, I guess. They say pressure is a privilege. It's a lot of pressure to play in Toronto, but I think it would be a lot of fun.
In 62 games with the Black Hawks, he registered 10 points (3G, 7A) but added the same amount of points in 15 playoff games (1G, 9A).
Toronto wants to target him not only for his size, but his maturity and ability to grow into a potential bottom-pairing defender.
Jackson Smith (D)
Another 6'3 defenseman, Smith is actually probably the least likely to go to Toronto and might sneak in as a first round pick; so if they want him they need to trade up.
But he brings a solid two-way game, can play a smart defensive game even if he doesn't hit a ton and Smith could be a replacement down the line for a Morgan Rielly-esque playmaker.
He managed 54 points in 68 games with the Americans this year (11G, 43A) which is a 25-point jump from last year's output.
Though don't count on Toronto acquiring him unless he falls off drastically, or they manage to swing a deal for a very late first round pick.
Carter Amico (D)
Amico, a hulking player at 6'5, 220 pounds has dealt with injury trouble this season, but when he's on the ice, he's impactful.
Committed to Boston University (much like another player on this list) for next season, Amico needs to get to full strength and put in a very solid bounce back year.
He won't blow you away offensively, but his size and strength alone bring a tantalizing mix of physicality and a relentless motor.
This season he only skated in 13 games but did manage three assists. He's also not going to be a prime target, and with enough conditioning and working with the Toronto organization, he could turn into a very serviceable player.
Max Pšenička (D)
Another 6'5 beast, Pšenička relies on shutting opponents down in his own end but his offensive game shouldn't be overlooked.
He's not afraid to jump into the play, even at his size, and isn't shy about giving his teammates a chance to score, often trying to find the outlet pass, or patiently dropping it to his forwards.
Also a team player that shows a lot of maturity, Pšenička mentioned that whatever role a team decides to use him in; he's all in and willing to give 110%:
I have no problem with that. I just want to help the team with the Cup.
Pšenička had seven points in 24 games with the Winterhawks this season after coming over from HC Plzen in the Czech League.
Sascha Boumedienne (D)
One of the smaller players but still sizeable at 6'2, 190 pounds, Boumedienne has elite defensive vision and is able to corral the puck and make smart outlet passes and has a ton of upside.
He only managed 13 points in 40 games with Boston University this season but should be expected to have a much bigger role going forward as the team is losing seven of their players to transfers and signings.
Like Smith, he is expected to be a late first round pick with high second round potential, so Toronto might need to get lucky, or try and swing a deal to get higher in the draft than their projected 63rd overall pick.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 8 | 219 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Reportedly Targeting One Position in 2025 Draft Combine Interviews Who do you think the Maple Leafs should draft this season? | ||
| Brady Peddle | 46 | 21 % |
| Jackson Smith | 56 | 25.6 % |
| Carter Amico | 55 | 25.1 % |
| Max Psenicka | 62 | 28.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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