The Leafs and GM Brad Treliving continue to surprise fans at the NHL Entry Draft this weekend. First, they traded down from the 23rd overall pick to the 31st pick, adding a second-round pick in the process. They then decided to trade the second-round pick for a seventh-round pick and 2025 second-round pick meaning they did not have a pick until the fourth round, 120th overall.
When it came time to make their selection, they chose Victor Johansson, who was rated 1263rd of prospects eligible for this year's draft.
A left-shot defenseman, Johansson is certainly a 'project' for the Leafs' development coaches. Listed at 6'1 and just 143 pounds by Elite Prospects, he has to add a massive amount of weight to his frame for him to even have a chance in the NHL, let alone the AHL. With a number of higher rated and better-developed players available, the selection is certainly a head-scratcher to those outside of the organization and it will be interesting to hear the reasoning behind the selection.
