Mark Leach Reveals Thought Process Behind Maple Leafs 2025 Draft Picks
Photo credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Head Scout Mark Leach was honest in his explanation of Toronto's draft strategy this summer, as it seems that grit, size, and most importantly, passion, were key.
The NHL Draft could be considered a fair success for the Maple Leafs especially considering they didn't hold any premium draft picks, and were the last team to pick in the second round.
Adding several big bodies, their top pick was Tinus Luc Koblar, a Norwegian-Slovenian center who is a very intriguing but admittedly raw prospect. They also added Tyler Hopkins, Will Belle, Harry Nansi, Rylan Fellinger and Matthew Hlacar.
It wasn't the most flashy draft and the team didn't make any big trades (except for the big Mitch Marner rumor) however nothing materialized as of yet.
Toronto had a clear focus heading into the 2025 Draft
But there was something clear about the way Toronto approached the draft this year, and it seemed to do a lot with size.
However, head scout Mark Leach explained it wasn't just the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog:
We want guys who competed. We want guys who battled, with great work ethic and if you have those elements in your game, you have a chance to get better at certain things.
There also seemed to be a focus on adding players with a bit of a mean streak as well. Though he may look innocent enough, Luc Koblar has an insatiable desire to win, and isn't afraid to try and do whatever it takes to give his team the edge.
Fans need to be a little patient however
His favorite player is Anze Kopitar, and for him to reach those levels would be tough obviously; but a mean two-way force with his length and size might end up being a very solid player for years to come.
The focus on adding toughness and a bit of recklessness was evident in their last pick, choosing Kitchener's Matthew Hlacar; essentially their enforcer this season and passing on his teammate Tanner Lam. They had a plan and stuck to it.
One thing that fans have to also understand is that the prospects aren't going to be here right away, and Brad Treliving has stressed patience in their development, however things are looking exciting:
You judge these draft days with a calendar not a stopwatch, but really happy with the work the guys did.
It's all part of the DNA change in Toronto, and starting off with a bit of a mean streak in the draft is a great way to start.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 29 | 442 ANSWERS Mark Leach Reveals Thought Process Behind Maple Leafs 2025 Draft Picks Which prospect are you most excited for on the Maple Leafs from this year's draft? | ||
| Tinus Luc-Koblar | 82 | 18.6 % |
| Harry Nansi | 29 | 6.6 % |
| Tyler Hopkins | 282 | 63.8 % |
| Will Belle | 49 | 11.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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