5 First-Round Draft Targets for the Maple Leafs

As we’re now in the second half of the NHL season and the trade deadline is fast approaching, the shift then quickly moves to the NHL Entry Draft. For the Toronto Maple Leafs, their draft capital is very low compared to other teams. With the notion of possibly not being buyers at this year’s deadline, general manager Brad Treliving could very well end up keeping the Maple Leafs 2024 first-round pick if there’s no substantial deal in place.

The Maple Leafs are nowhere near to being contenders for top pick Macklin Celebrini, but they’re once again in the middle of the pack in the 17-25 range with their pick. While the top of the draft is defense heavy, there aren’t many later in the first-round. Though, there are still some highly regarded forwards with great upside. Here are five early options for the Maple Leafs with their first-round pick. 

Beckett Sennecke, RW, Oshawa Generals (OHL)

Central Scouting: 15^th (among NA skaters)
Baracchini’s rank: 20^th

Sennecke was a standout at the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, excelling on a line with Liam Greentree and Jett Luchanko. While the production may not jump off the page as he has 43 points in 44 games, there’s a lot to like with his game as he’s still having a strong impact this season. 

Sennecke provides a great balance of intensity, skill and awareness on both sides of the puck. He excels down low, along the boards and in small spaces to win puck battles as he has soft hands to maintain control and manipulate defenders in the offensive zone. He’s extremely crafty and his improved size allows him to protect the puck effectively and push his way through traffic. He definitely has the strengths that could make him a strong power forward.

As a result, he’s still trying to combine everything together with his added size. There have been times where he hasn’t utilized his size and strength enough to block players out and his skating and foot speed may be off at times. If he continues to work on that, he definitely could have a lot of potential as he’s exciting to watch when he’s on top of his game.

Jett Luchanko, C, Guelph Storm (OHL)

Central Scouting: 21^st (among NA skaters)
Baracchini’s rank: 51^st GOOD

Remember when the Maple Leafs surprised many and drafted Easton Cowan 28^th overall in 2023? That pick is starting to pay off and Luchanko could be another player up the middle of the ice that can improve his stock greatly…