The Toronto Maple Leafs’ Best Options for the 23rd Pick
There is no shortage of players that could be available for the Leafs with the 23rd overall pick.
The Toronto Maple Leafs will pick 23rd in the NHL Entry Draft today, assuming no trades are made.
It’s the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, a day when teams can change the path of their careers by making the proper move, earning bragging rights over the league’s future stars. After selecting Easton Cowan last year, the Toronto Maple Leafs will attempt to score another home run.
This year’s probable top pick, Macklin Celebrini of Boston University, is widely expected to be selected first overall by the San Jose Sharks.
The Chicago Blackhawks, who are ranked second overall, are reportedly closely linked to both Michigan State defenseman Artyom Levshunov and SKA St. Petersburg winger Ivan Demidov.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have many of options with the 23rd overall pick. There is a good probability that a strong talent will be available at their draft slot. Last year, Toronto went off the board significantly, picking Easton Cowan 28th overall. No major publication ranked Cowan as a first-round pick, and I ranked him 60th.
This year, Toronto should have more distinct alternatives at 23. I figured the simplest way to get them out was to write small blurbs as a scout, giving readers a fast description of what I would say if I were in the Toronto Maple Leafs scouting room.
Here are 23 choices for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 23rd overall pick.
LEFT WING.
Igor Chernyshov plays for Dynamo Moscow in the KHL (review). Chernyshov is a tall, powerful forward with the potential to dominate opponents and match the intensity of the KHL game. He’s a tough competitor who appears to be on track for NHL readiness. He did not have a tremendous season stats for Dynamo Moscow, but he has the maturity and talent.
Andrew Basha, Medicine Hat – WHL
Review – Andrew Basha was a standout WHL player for Medicine Hat this season. He was overshadowed by his linemate Cayden Lindstrom, which happens to almost everyone in this draft class. When Lindstrom hurt his back in the middle of the season, Basha stepped up to the challenge of matching his teammate’s production, transitioning from a complementary asset to Lindstrom to a driver in his own right. Should be able to manage the hustling of the middle six. He’s still available, therefore he’s a decent choice.
Cole Eiserman – USA U18, NTDP
I do not believe Eiserman will be present at 23, but Toronto did meet with him, so it is worth discussing. Eiserman’s shot is undoubtedly the greatest in his game. He has the potential to score 40-50 goals every season in the NHL. Aside from that, there’s evidence of a potential average playmaker and some defensive awareness. He isn’t really physical, and his puck movement is limited. He rarely executes plays that do not advance the offense. Even then, 40 goals a season is still valuable. I believe he will go around the lottery, potentially as high as Seattle at 8 and as low as Buffalo at 14. If he is available, St. Louis will virtually probably grab him at the age of 16. Almost a no-brainer.
Yegor Surin – Yaroslavl – Russia
Can play both center and wing, but will most likely play left wing at the next level. His versatility should appeal to the team, as they have previously recruited forwards who can play numerous positions, such as Easton Cowan, Fraser Minten, and Nick Moldenhauer. Surin had a bad run of recent signings, including Domi and Bertuzzi. A tiny effort, but a significant payoff. He needs to improve his game significantly.
Right wing
Ryder Ritchie, Prince Albert – WHL
Injuries hampered Ryder Ritchie’s season, but he recovered in the end with a successful U18 tournament for the gold medal Canadians, with Ritchie playing a significant role. Ritchie is not the biggest player, but he’s a skilled offensive player.
Liam Greentree, Windsor – OHL
Greentree is another guy who may not be in Toronto’s price range at 23, but he possesses the offensive skills to be a valuable addition if he is. One of the most likely top-six prospects in his draft. Plays an effective power forward game and has made a significant impact despite his team’s struggles. However, skating requires significant work.
Emil Hemming, TPS – FIN
Hemming did not have the finest opportunity to display himself because he spent the majority of the season in the Finnish men’s league, LIIGA, which is not particularly friendly to players his age, but he is a very creative attacker with two-way talent and good finishing. Looked at the part as a comprehensive option.
