As we enter the second half of the NHL season and the trade deadline approaches, the focus shifts swiftly to the NHL Entry Draft. The Toronto Maple Leafs’ draft capital is extremely low when compared to other teams. With the possibility of not becoming buyers at this year’s deadline, general manager Brad Treliving may end up holding the Maple Leafs’ 2024 first-round selection if no meaningful transaction is reached.
The Maple Leafs are far from being competitors for top pick Macklin Celebrini, although their pick falls somewhere between 17 and 25. While the top of the draft is strong on defense, there are few options lower in the first round. However, there are still some highly regarded forwards with significant upside. Here are five early options for the Maple Leafs’ first-round pick.
Beckett Sennecke, RW, Oshawa Generals (OHL) ranked 15th in Central Scouting among North American skaters.
Baracchini’s ranking: 20th.
Sennecke was a highlight in the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, playing on a line alongside Liam Greentree and Jett Luchanko. While his production isn’t particularly impressive (43 points in 44 games), there’s a lot to appreciate about his game, and he’s still making an impact this season.
Sennecke maintains an excellent blend of effort, talent, and awareness on both sides of the puck. He thrives down low, along the boards, and in tight spaces to win puck battles, and his soft hands allow him to keep control and manipulate defenders in the offensive zone. He’s highly smart, and his larger stature helps him to successfully defend the puck while also navigating through traffic. He undoubtedly possesses the qualities that could make him a formidable power forward.
As a result, he’s still attempting to fit things together despite his increased girth. He hasn’t always used his bulk and power effectively to block players, and his skating and foot speed may be inconsistent. If he continues to work on it, he obviously has a lot of potential because he’s interesting to watch when he is at his peak performance.
Jett Luchanko, C, Guelph Storm (OHL) ranked 21st in Central Scouting among North American skaters.
Baracchini ranked 51st GOOD.
Remember when the Maple Leafs startled many by selecting Easton Cowan 28th overall in 2023? That pick is beginning to pay off, and Luchanko might be another guy in the middle of the ice who can significantly increase his stock and go to the first round.
Luchanko dominated the on-ice testing for the top prospects game, and the results mirror his performance thus far. He possesses the strength, speed, and talent to make an impact every shift, and his two-way game allows him to be used in any situation. He is a capable player
He’s a player who can be counted on to make good judgments with and without the puck. He can go by defenders with his agility and quick initial steps, and his work ethic and motor are comparable to Cowan’s, as he’s always looking for loose pucks and pressuring opponents.
He is now the Storm’s leading scorer at 17 years old, with 53 points in 48 games. It’s quite impressive for a young kid to get crucial minutes and be so productive.
Nikita Artamonov, LW/RW of Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
Central Scouting ranks 14th (among EU skaters).
Baracchini’s ranking: 16th.
There are few young, draft-eligible players who can receive a chance to play important minutes in the KHL. Especially during their draft year.
Nikita Artamonov, like Anton Silayev, is one of those players.
Artamonov has averaged little under 14 minutes per game and scored 19 points in 46 games. His game relies around pursuing the puck and battling for possession. He constantly forces turnovers and anticipates plays efficiently using his placement, timing, and speed. He plays with a lot of force and is an excellent playmaker, usually finding his teammates with well-timed passes. He always finds a passing lane, even when there isn’t one available.
Andrew Basha, LW, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL), ranks 18th in Central Scouting among North American skaters.
Baracchini’s ranking: 21st.
While his teammate Cayden Lindstrom is receiving a lot of attention, Basha is flying under the radar and deserves more notice. With Lindstrom out with an injury, Basha is using this time to demonstrate his worth, as he sits three points behind the club lead with 66 in 45 games this season.
Basha, like Lindstrom, possesses a significant deal of power, energy, and determination. With his speed, he transitions quickly and is comfortable leading a breakout play. He plays at a fast speed, making it difficult for the opposition to contain or stay up with him.
He may instantly change the flow of the game by being patient, assessing his choices, and then attacking with a burst of speed. He continuously attacks the open lanes and the middle of the ice, and he gets into position quickly.
Howe leads his squad by 21 points.
Howe can be quite tenacious, with a strong drive and work ethic. Even though he’s 5-foot-10 and weighs 175 pounds, he’s a fierce competitor who goes to the tough spots and continually battles for the puck. He uses his speed to escape such battles and assault the middle of the ice. Howe compares himself to Matthew Tkachuk and Patrice Bergeron, while Patriots head coach Brad Herauf sees similarities with Brad Marchand.
The Maple Leafs might benefit from Howe’s approach, regardless of who you compare him to.
Honourable Mentions
Colton Roberts, a Vancouver Giants defender, stood out at the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.
Tanner Howe, LW, Regina Pats (WHL), ranks 29th in Central Scouting among NA skaters.
Baracchini’s ranking: 19th
Many people wondered how Tanner Howe would do without Connor Bedard after scoring 85 points last season. While the Patriots are at the bottom of the rankings, and he is on track to fall short of that goal this season, he leads the club with 58 points in 50 games. He’s a very poised defender who can make smart out passes and successfully close gaps. John Mustard of the Waterloo Black Hawks, a rookie in the USHL, is climbing the scoring lists with 40 points in 37 games. He has a tremendous combination of speed, size, and talent and performed admirably at the All-American Game.
