"But as far as 2026 is concerned, the Maple Leafs could have an incentive to finish as far down in the standings as possible. According to Tankathon, the Leafs would pick ninth if the draft were today. In that event, the pick would go to the Boston Bruins. However, there's a caveat here. That slot comes with a 5.1% chance of landing the first-overall pick via the NHL Draft Lottery."
"The Maple Leafs don't necessarily need the top-overall pick. They just need to land within the top five. In doing so, the Leafs not only keep their pick, but they also have an opportunity to draft a generational talent. Considering the 2026 NHL Draft is supposed to be one of the deepest in years, it wouldn't be a bad silver lining to see Toronto land a top-five pick."
Last season the Maple Leafs traded their 2026 first-round pick to the Boston Bruins in the Brandon Carlo deal, with that pick carrying top-five protection. If the Leafs' 2026 selection lands in the top five, the pick converts to a 2027 first-rounder and ultimately shifts to the Philadelphia Flyers, leaving the Bruins to receive Toronto's unprotected 2028 first-round choice. A finish low enough in 2026 would allow Toronto to keep its pick and potentially select a generational talent. Current lottery projections put the Leafs at ninth, with a 5.1% chance to move to first overall, making a top-five result plausible. The 2026 draft is expected to be deep.
Read at Editor In Leaf
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