Toronto gave away their first round picks in 2027 and 2028 due to the Brandon Carlo and Scott Laughton deals however they have a lot more control than you'd think.
When the Maple Leafs won the first overall pick in the 2026 Draft it was a stunning bit of good fortune that had a couple of caveats. Now with the Boston Bruins unable to get their pick, that means Toronto's pick slides to a different year; but they also did the same with Philadelphia. But while they are going to lose both picks, they can actually strategize over who gets what first.
Toronto made a couple of rash decisions that led them to trading some pretty hefty draft assets including the 2026 first round pick to Boston (and Fraser Minten) for Brandon Carlo, meanwhile they traded a 2027 first for Scott Laughton; who they traded away months later.
But with the Maple Leafs winning the lottery this year, that means the Bruins lose out on the pick and therefore have to settle for a different year's pick. Philadelphia would presumably get to keep their pick, and then life continues on.
The Flyers own Toronto's 2027 pick but a Top-10 lottery placement gives the Maple Leafs a bit more freedom
Well, not exactly. And while things are a tad complicated on the surface, it gives Toronto a lot more power than at first glance.
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To break this tweet down from Puckpedia, here's how it goes:
- If Toronto places outside the Top-10 in the 2027 Draft - Philadelphia gets 2027 pick, Boston gets 2028 pick (unprotected)
- If Toronto places within the Top-10 in the 2027 Draft - Toronto chooses whether Philadelphia or Boston gets 2027 pick
- Remaining team gets the 2028 pick (unprotected)
The Flyers were also made aware of the situation via the NHL, as they may be under the impression that pick is theirs regardless.
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It really depends on how the Maple Leafs view the Bruins in the coming season. If they feel they are a threat and manage a Top-10 finish, then giving it to Philly isn't a bad idea.
John Chayka has real flexibility but a bad season costs Toronto regardless
The freedom does give Toronto the chance to delay Boston's pipeline a new prospect for at least another year, but at that point maybe the draft picks aren't their biggest concern.
A Top-10 lottery pick means that we just saw yet another failed season however they do not have that backup plan like they did this year with the first overall pick - no matter what they are losing those picks, it's just where they end up.
The best case scenario even if they aren't a playoff team is to be someone like the Islanders or Capitals; a team that is just clinging onto a postseason spot but not bad enough to drop into the bottom 10.
Though as we saw, it might not matter and they could very well find themselves there anyways.
It's not great, but the Maple Leafs are a team who have the luxury now of drafting a generational superstar and let the other picks determine for themselves if it was worth trading away.
Honestly, all Toronto needs to do is just put in a strong effort at both ends of the ice and they're likely not going to have to worry about this.
Who would you rather see get Toronto's pick?
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