Just a few thoughts and updates post-Draft Day #1.
Like a lot of you Leafs fans out there, I was not happy with the Leafs' selection at #15. There were other equally good, or better players on the board in that slot, in my opinion.
In Draft Day #2, look for the Leafs to address their D in round 2 specifically with Soo Greyhound (and you know Dubas loves drafting from his former team), Ryan O'Rourke. Since he may not be around at #44, I'd imagine the Leafs would pull off their first deal of the day by acquiring some grit from Nashville, as well as their #37 pick to ensure they get him. It would then not surprise me at all to see the Leafs' parlay their #44th overall pick for picks in the 3rd and 4th round (ahem, Calgary Flames).
With respect to the Dallas deal, I think it makes sense for both teams, but I am sure others would disagree with me.
In the deal with Arizona, though I would consider it more of an AHL and depth deal, I think it's about time the Leafs move on from Bracco and I very much like Gross' game.
Free agency prediction, though I think the Leafs will be in on a number of guys like Gudas, Maroon and Simmonds, I think the Nashville deal makes more sense for them as far as grit goes and bringing younger guys in with some term and solid AAVs. With respect to Pietrangelo, no doubt in my mind the Leafs will at least take a swing, but as I have said before, I think Hamonic is by far the cheaper and better overall option when you consider Morgan Rielly's game play style. In the Leafs someone signed Pietrangelo, I would see him playing more with Muzzin, but I don't see a scenario where Holl pairs with Rielly.
Finally, a quick update on the backend. The Leafs' must feel real good about their low risk high reward signing in Mikko Lehtonen. For those that have not been following his work so far this season (yes, the KHL is playing right now), in 8 games, he has 6 goals and 6 assists for 12 points, which is more than a point-per-game. I suspect that they will be working with Sandin to try and move him over to the right side, since I think he has a better chance of starting this next season with the Leafs over Liljegren.
As a hot take, it would not surprise me at all to see the Leafs sign Lehtonen to an extension and move Sandin as part of the package to Nashville with Dante Fabbro returning.
Anyway, that's all for now. Enjoy watching Draft Day #2! Be well and stay safe.
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
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