Maple Leafs' priority should be a forward if they get to use their 1st-round pick

"The best player available argument doesn't always hold up. It's valid if you don't need a goaltender and could select the next Patrick Roy over addressing a glaring need on defence where the best available player at the position has been compared to Erik Gudbranson."

"Even in those examples that include two potentially future Hall of Fame defencemen, it is worth appreciating that Drew Doughty was an outlier in being able to come into the lineup immediately and make an impact as defencemen."

"For a team in a rebuild, a franchise defenceman is certainly a position worth waiting for, but the Maple Leafs need to head into this draft with some emphasis being put on immediate impact."

Selecting the best player available in drafts can be subjective, especially when top talents like Connor McDavid or Sidney Crosby are absent. While this strategy is valid if a team doesn't need a goaltender, it may overlook pressing needs in other positions. Historical examples from the 2008 NHL Draft show varying success among defencemen, with some players like Drew Doughty making immediate impacts while others required more development. For teams in rebuilds, immediate impact players may be prioritized over those with long-term potential.

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