Leafs interview 3 potential draft targets at the draft combine, including one homegrown talent from the GTA
With the 2023 NHL Entry Draft now just 18 days away, the Leafs' scouting staff and management are really putting their nose to the grindstone in preparation of what could end up being a very eventful draft. While the Leafs only have 3 draft picks at the moment (1st, 5th and 6th round picks), there is certainly potential to wrangle up a few more in trades on the draft floor.
According to Peter Baracchini and Andrew Forbes, the Leafs have met with a number of prospects during the draft combine this week, including center Brayden Yager (Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL), left winger Colby Barlow (Owen Sound Attack, OHL), and Quentin Musty (Sudbury Wolves, OHL).
Yager, 18, was listed at 5'11, 166 lbs before the combine and had 28 goals and 78 points in 67 games with the Warriors this season, which was a substantial improvement over his aged 17 season last year. Last year, Yager notched just 59 points in 63 games, though he did score 34 goals. The Saskatoon, SASK native also racked up 16 points in 10 playoff games. Yager is a potential candidate to slip into the Leafs' wheelhouse at #28, but some scouts have him listed as high as 7th overall (Bob McKenzie).
Barlow, 18, was listed at 6'00 and 190 lbs prior to the combine and racked up 79 points in 59 games this season in Owen Sound. His 46 goals were 5th best in the OHL last season and his 79 points had him finishing 21st in league scoring. Barlow is a local product, hailing from Orillia, ON, which I'm sure has its allure to the Leafs. This one might be a pipedream, as several notable scouts have him ranked in the top-10 in the draft.
Musty, 17, is one of the younger players in the draft class. Listed at 6'2, 200 lbs before the combine, the Hamburg, NY native racked up 78 points in 53 games this season in Sudbury. Like Fraser Minten last year, I'm sure the allure to the Leafs here is the added potential for exponential growth in his game next season, being younger than most in his draft class. The Leafs aren't overly loaded up at the LW position, so don't be shocked if he's the guy they target at #28 - if he makes it there. Musty is ranked as high as 12th overall on some scouting lists.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 10 | 224 ANSWERS Leafs interview 3 potential draft targets at the draft combine, including one homegrown talent from the GTA Who will the Leafs draft with their 1st round pick? | ||
| Brayden Yager | 41 | 18.3 % |
| Colby Barlow | 41 | 18.3 % |
| Quentin Musty | 59 | 26.3 % |
| Other | 83 | 37.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
