Landon Nycz could be a sneaky pick for the Maple Leafs considering he not only has two-way potential but his game is similar to one beloved blueliner.
With the Maple Leafs holding more than just the first overall pick in this year's draft, they have to focus on other names besides the big ones like Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg, and Chase Reid, though we don't really know who is going to be available come the later rounds. But with their third or fourth-round pick they could get Landon Nycz - and the next Jake McCabe.
Nycz, 18, is a 6-foot-2, 201 pound left-handed defender who plays a very physical game but has shocking speed for a player his size. He's someone who loves to block shots, is a very aggressive player with two-way ability, and surprisingly disciplined for such a physical player as he only had two PIM in 35 games in 2025-26.
Landon Nycz is in the perfect spot to be drafted by the Maple Leafs
The Detroit native has been ranked anywhere from 67th to 77th which would land him somewhere around the early third round into the latter half. Toronto owns the 60th and 69th pick, so there's certainly a chance they could snag Nycz if his draft ranking is to be believed.
They likely won't be able to snag him at 114th when they pick next, so it's going to be a bit of a gamble especially knowing that he's a few years away right now. He's committed to the University of Massachusetts for 2026-27 and there's no indication as to where he could be after this season.
Toronto also feels like it would be at least worth a discussion with the blueliner as they have an interview scheduled with him on Sunday.
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Landon Nycz can bring a Jake McCabe-style skillset to the future of the Maple Leafs
But the reason you're wanting to draft him is his similarity to the play style of Jake McCabe. Both are physical, shot-blocking defenders who don't mind putting their bodies on the line. Nycz has more speed and offensive upside but McCabe's no slouch either.
In 2023-24 he had eight goals and 28 points along with 129 hits and 219 blocks. If Nycz can add more offence while also maintaining a similar defensive output then he could be one of those diamond in the rough prospects.
Nycz is worth taking a risk on given that he's still only 18 and committing to the NCAA so even if he spends a couple years there, a 20-year old who has a lot more experience against bigger and better competition is still a net positive.
The only caveat that fans may point to is that he isn't a right-handed shot, but if he's going to be here in a few years, McCabe is likely towards the end of his career. Add Ben Danford into the mix and you could have the future version of the McCabe/Tanev pairing.
With a meeting in place it feels like John Chayka and the Maple Leafs are more than happy to wait around for Nycz because he could be one of the steals of the entire draft.
Do you think Landon Nycz would be a good pick for the Maple Leafs?
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