Toronto Maple Leafs accused of changing plans on a 2026 draft pick

Saskatoon Blades GM Colin Priestner put the Maple Leafs on blast after they reportedly rescinded an agreement that would see Zac Olsen return to the WHL.

Priestner was interviewed during the Blades' training camp and was not too shy about sharing his feelings on how the Toronto Maple Leafs have done business. Priestner is taking umbrage with the fact that the team promised that 2026 third-round pick Zac Olsen would return to the team - and blames the new regime for reneging on their promise:

With Olsen… he's not here. We wish he was here. We spent a lot of time talking to him over the three or four months leading into his decision. Toronto told us he was coming back, and Toronto fired some of their staff and their new staff came in, and the plan changed. That's life in our league.

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Saskatoon says Toronto promised Olsen would return before its development plan changed

Instead, Olsen is going to be taking part in the NCAA as he committed to Colorado College for the 2026-27 season. With the implementation of a brand new and focused U.S. Scouting Department and a focus on developing NCAA prospects - Priestner isn't too far off track with his assumptions.

John Chayka did indeed clear house this summer, removing several long-time key members of the organization and replacing them with new faces who are either more analytical or come with specific niche roles - such as prominent U.S. scouting knowledge.

Olsen, 18, had 34 points in 57 games with the Blades in 2025-26 and has a total of 57 points in 118 games over his three seasons with Saskatoon. He's a blazing fast forward who plays uber-physical and uses his speed to create separation and more frequent odd-man rushes.

But obviously the decision to switch Olsen from the WHL to NCAA is not sitting well with Priestner (as is his right as GM) though at the end of the day, Olsen is technically part of the Maple Leafs' organization and they can dictate where he develops - whether others agree or not.

Cooper Williams gives Toronto and Saskatoon another development decision to watch

While the Maple Leafs are giving Olsen a new direction on his quest to become an NHL player, he may not be the only one they make that choice for. Cooper Williams was drafted in the fifth-round by Toronto and he's arguably an even bigger hit to the Blades should he not return.

Williams, 18, had 57 points in 66 games while adding six points in 11 games during the postseason in 2025-26. In 134 games with the Blades, Williams has 44 goals and 114 points which includes identical 57-point seasons in 2024-25 and 2025-26.

Priestner's frustration with the Maple Leafs is warranted, though it's clear that Toronto sees something bigger in Olsen and wants to see how he can compete against bigger and better competition - though he might not be the only player Saskatoon loses this upcoming season.

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