Don't panic, Leafs Nation, but the Leafs may end up selecting a 5'9 winger in the first round
Barring an unforeseen trade, the Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to select a prospect with the 28th overall pick during the first round of the upcoming 2023 NHL Entry Draft. They acquired the first round pick from the Washington Capitals in a deal that saw them send over Rasmus Sandin. They also landed pending UFA Erik Gustafsson in the deal. The 1st round pick originally belonged to the Boston Bruins.
This draft has been talked about for years as being deep, filled with talented prospects throughout the first 2 rounds. One intriguing name to follow from now to the draft is that of Gavin Brindley. He stands in at 5'9 and 157 lbs, but not unlike Dallas Stars prospect Logan Stankoven, Brindley possesses all of thr tools to defy the odds, making him someone to not overlook.
Diminutive forwards have always had a bad rep in the NHL, especially in the drafts, and time and time again, some have defied the odds and have proven to be elite players. The NHL has tried to modernize towards speed and skill, yet some teams remain fervent with physicality and size. Players like Brindley have, in the past, been overlooked and have made GMs look silly, like when Alex DeBrincat was taken in the 2nd round in 2016 - a first round talent heading into the draft that slipped due to his size.
Brindley spent 2 years with the Tri-City Storm of the USHL between 2020-21 and 2021-22, where he went from 9 goals and 22 points in 51 games to 14 goals and 42 points in 51 games the following year. He committed to the University of Michigan ahead of the 2022-23 season where he tallied 12 goals and 38 points in 41 games this is similar production to that of Matthew Knies. Brindley also added 4 points in 7 games for the Americans at the World Juniors.
Tony Ferrari of The Hockey News wrote: "Brindley plays with incredible pace both on and off the puck. The Wolverines' winger hounds defenders in the offensive zone when they have the puck, disrupting their ability to process and forcing bad passes."
Scott Wheeler of The Athletic wrote: "He's also got some of the quicker hands and better touch on this list. He thrives in the small-area game, using light passes and rapid movements to play in and out of coverage."
He's got all the intangibles you'd want from a first round talent, however he has slipped a little primarily due to his size. Brindley is an exceptional grab near the end of the first round and may be a priority for the Leafs if he's available in and around their selection.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 13 | 186 ANSWERS Don't panic, Leafs Nation, but the Leafs may end up selecting a 5'9 winger in the first round Should the Leafs draft 5'9 Gavin Brindley at thr draft in 2 weeks? | ||
| Yes, the skill is there | 45 | 24.2 % |
| No, he's too small | 104 | 55.9 % |
| Who? | 37 | 19.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
