How The Toronto Maple Leafs Could Utilize the First Overall Pick
On the off chance the Leafs ultimately get knocked out of the playoffs via the qualifier round against Columbus, which in my opinion is highly plausible, I think they have a number of options available to them if they can secure the pick via the 12.5% chance they have in phase two of the draft lottery.
Personally I’m not against drafting Alexis Lafrenière as he could fill in that role of a top 6 winger right away. In fact I would argue that he could help us push even further along than Matthews, Marner, and Tavares have so far. Lafrenière has been touted potentially a franchise player, and while I’m not quite sold on that I do think he could grow to be a top 5 player (among active) in the league in the future. Ever since he was drafted into the QMJHL his point totals have gone nothing but up. If he was to maintain his projected point total for the season he would’ve hit 146 points which is absurd. His potential is through the roof and I would not blame the Leafs for taking him instead of looking at the potential other options they have at hand.
Ottawa’s two picks, which are both in the top five, picks three and five, present the organization with a very interesting option, a trade with their provincial rivals for both of those picks and get two stud players for the price of one stud player. Lafrenière is a player who in himself has a huge market in the Ottawa area due to Quebec being right next door. The projected picks for three, Quinton Byfield, and five, Jamie Drysdale, are considered the top player in their position in the draft. Both Byfield and Drysdale and superb seasons this year, as well as an incredible World Juniors where they were both the best player in their positions. And while there is no guarantee that either player will be available at either pick. Both players could prove to be extremely vital during this upcoming season with there being a flatcap. Both players are NHL ready and should be locks for opening night. This also allows the team to shed cap without really having to lose much. This move would give Dubois the credibility he deserves and would even benefit the Senators given how badly they’ve been. And as much as I don’t like the Senators, I feel bad for their fans who have been treated like complete utter garbage by a shitty owner.
The other option the Leafs have is trading the pick for a young, but seasoned, player in the defensive position, who is still working towards their potential. This move could also see them move a contract of a player that has been lackluster in their tenure with the Leafs. Personally this move doesn’t excite me as much as the trade with Ottawa does. And ultimately if I’m Kyle Dubois I would make the trade with Ottawa, two star rookies who could make immediate impact on the team is a lot better than one star rookie.
And if Toronto doesn’t get the first overall pick, the pick will ultimately get moved to either the Carolina Hurricanes or to the New York Rangers through trade conditions attached to the Patrick Marleau contract dump.
I also think it would be absolute comedy if a team like Toronto, Winnipeg, Pittsburgh or Edmonton won the lottery given what their team currently looks like, however I could also see each team, other than maybe Pittsburgh, making the trade with Ottawa. Pittsburgh is the only team I see doubt in given their recent struggles both during the season and the postseason. This would also give Crosby the chance to pass the torch to Lafrenière like how Mario Lemieux passed the torch to him.
