With the draft combine wrapping up on Saturday, we're starting to get a clearer picture at which way the Leafs could be leaning with the 25th overall pick in the 2022 draft in a month. We know that one of the players that the Leafs met with was Slovak forward Filip Mesar and now we know of another forward who the Leafs interviewed this week.
Per The Hockey Writer's Peter Baracchini, the Leafs also met with London, Ontario native and Soo Greyhounds center Bryce McConnell-Barker, a 6-foot-1, 193-pound 18-year-old, whose birthday happens to be today.
NHL Central Scouting has McConnell-Barker ranked 34th among North American skaters. The Athletic has him ranked 47th overall. McConnell-Barker is a competitive two-way forward who may not be the strongest skater, but what he lacks in foot speed, he makes up for in creativity, playmaking ability and shooting accuracy.
I don't necessarily see the Leafs drafting McConnell-Barker if they stick at 25, but he could be a prime candidate for the Buds if they elect to move down to acquire an extra pick in the draft. The 18-year-old figures to be a regular NHL contributor on the 3rd line with the potential to see some top six minutes if he reaches his ceiling.
