The Toronto Maple Leafs had a lackluster performance at the NHL draft. Despite needing a goalie, defensemen, and a third-line center—plus the ongoing Mitch Marner situation—the team remained passive. Their 23rd overall pick, unlikely to make an impact for years, was traded to move down eight spots, yielding a second-round pick.
Ultimately, they selected Ben Danford, a defensive defenseman who might only be a third-pairing player by 2030. This cautious approach mirrors GM Brad Treliving’s past tendencies of indecisiveness and reliance on mismatched players.
Last summer, Treliving’s refusal to trade Nylander was a misstep, contributing to a disappointing season. At the trade deadline, his inaction cost the Leafs a chance to progress in the playoffs.
With goalies like Juuse Saros re-signing in Nashville, Jacob Markstrom joining the Devils, and Linus Ullmark moving to the Senators, the Leafs failed to secure much-needed improvements. Meanwhile, two teams that missed the playoffs strengthened their rosters, complicating Toronto’s playoff prospects.
Despite these challenges, the Leafs have not made significant moves to enhance their roster, nor do they seem urgent about doing so. Their latest pick won’t contribute for years, which is a missed opportunity to capitalize on Matthews’ prime. Selecting a defensive defenseman further highlights their lack of strategic planning.
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