About Missed Picks:
Hindsight is 20/20. “Missed Picks” refers to who
the Leafs could have chosen instead. Only players taken in the same round were
used, and only if they are significantly better.
1997 NHL Draft:
1997 was a change in direction for the Leafs at the draft. Trader Cliff’s era was almost over but
the damage remained. To add insult to injury
Missed Picks:
Maxim Afinogenov, Shane Willis, Magnus Arvedson, David Aebischer, Andrew
Ference, Karel Rachunek
Draft Grade: C
Hindsight Grade: E
3rd Round:
Jeff Farkas, C,
Current Team:
Farkas was considered to be first round material by some,
but slipped to the 3rd round mainly due to concerns about his size. After great
College career he joined St. Johns and had a good rookie year. However his play
fell considerably this past season and there is growing concern of his
determination to play though physical punishment. Fakas must soon show
4th Round:
Adam Mair, C,
Current Club:
Los-Angeles Kings
Leadership is the quality that attracted
5th Round:
Frantisek Mrazek, C,
Current Club:
Mrazek has size at 6’4″ 220lbs and showed good skills
in the WHL, but that’s where his potential ended. He was envisioned as a power
forward for the top two lines, but was unable to raise his game after leaving
Junior. After failing to make an impact in two AHL seasons he left
6th Round:
Eric Gooldy, LW,
Current Club:
None
Gooldy had size (6’2 200lbs), but unlike Mrazek not skills.
He left hockey after 4 average years with the OHL’s Plymouth Whalers.
7th Round:
Hugo Marchand, D,
Current Club:
South-Carolina Stingrays
Though he is a big (6’4 210lbs) physical defenseman Marchand
is having trouble finding a spot in the AHL due to his production.
Current Club:
8th Round:
Russ Bartlett, C,
Phillips-Exeter – 194th Overall
Current Club: St.
Lawrence University
9th Round
Jonathan Hedstrom, W,
Skelleftea – 221st
Current Club:
Hedstrom’s value to the Leafs was not his play, but his
trade value. The Leafs his traded his rights to
1998 NHL Draft:
The 1998 draft featured Mike Smith as GM, This time
Missed Picks:
Simon Gagne, Ossi Vaananen, Erik Cole, Petr Schastlivy, Tomas Kloucek, Pavel
Datsyuk
Draft Grade: C+
Hindsight Grade: D
1st Round:
Nikolai Antropov, C,
Ust-Kamenogorsk – 10th Overall
Current Team:
2nd Round:
Petr Svoboda, D, Havl
Brod – 35th Overall
Current Team:
There was no surprise with Svoboda’s selection, as he was
regarded to be 2nd round material. He has NHL size and puck skills, and some
scouts see him as a top 4 defenseman and powerplay specialist. That was then,
now Svoboda is a defense oriented defenseman. After an 18 game tryout with
Toronto Svoboda was sent to
3rd Round:
Jamie Hodson, G,
Brandon – 69th Overall
Current Team:
South-Carolina Stingrays
With Eric Fichaud traded away the Leafs needed a new future
backup for Felix Potvin. The hoped Jamie Hodson could one day fill that roll.
However Hodson has failed to stick with the
4th Round:
Alexi Ponikarovsky,
W, Dynamo 2 – 87th Overall
Current Team:
The Leafs went to
5th Round:
Morgan Warren, RW,
Current Team:
This brash right winger was selected from
6th Round:
Allan Rourke, D,
Kitchener – 154th Overall
Current Team:
Rourke posted major offensive numbers in the OHL but has yet
to match that level in the AHL. Had a poor offensive season in 2002 where his
points decreased by 17. If he rediscovers his offence he might have a shot as a
powerplay specialist.
7th Round:
Jonathon Gagnon, C,
Current Team:
Drafted as a point a game player out of the QMJHL, Gagnon has
failed to even make
8th Round:
Dwight Wolfe, D,
Halifax – 215th Overall
Current Team:
This hulking 6’5″ defenseman had great size, but that’s
all he had. He left the QMJHL to attend
Mihail Travnicek, W,
Litvinov Jr. – 228th Overall
Current Team:
Litvinov CHP HC
After a few years with out a Bill Berg type of player the
Leafs were looking for someone nasty and Travnicek fit that bill. Travnicek is
the kind of player who will take you down and is not above dirty play. This
year he took his trouble home with him leaving
9th Round:
Sergei Rostov, D,
Moscow Russia-2 – 236th Overall
Current Team:
Krylja Sovetov (2001)
This 6’3” Defenseman from
1999 NHL Draft:
This draft started out with so much promise. With its first
5 picks
Missed Picks:
Martin Havlat, Jan Lasak, Martin Prusek, Radim Vrbata
Draft Grade: B-
Hindsight Grade: D-
1st Round:
Luca Cereda, C,
Ambri-Piotta – 24th Overall
Current Team:
For the second year in a row the Leafs went off the board for
there 1st pick (though not as far as in 1998). He was picked after receiving
Rookie of the Year honors in
2001-2002 season boiled down to a training camp. During the
year he made excellent progress defensively and near the end began to show the
playmaking skills that first attracted
2nd Round:
Peter Reynolds, D,
Current Team:
Reynolds was a so called “safe pick”. He did
everything well but nothing outstanding. The real payoff would come if he could
develop his offense. Though he had good showings in the Prospect Tournament he
never sustained that level during the season. After two unimpressive seasons
the Leafs did not sign him. He reentered the 2001 draft and was taken by
4th Round:
Mirko Murovic, LW,
Current Team:
Lugano
The first of two 1999 4th rounder’s, Murovic had some
potential. Though he had good size at 6’3″ he also had the uncanny ability
to squeeze through traffic, a fact that earned him the nickname Slinky. He was
a point a game player in the QMJHL but mostly as a playmaker than a scorer. The
Leafs did not see enough improvement in his game and left him unsigned. He
reentered the 2001 draft and went undrafted.
Jonathan Zion, D,
Current Team:
The Leafs drafted
5th Round:
Vaclav Zavoral, D,
Litvinov – 151st Overall
Current Team:
A defenseman with good size, strength and a penchant for big
hits. Zavoral was drafted by Saulte Ste. Marie where he played two OHL seasons.
Those two season proved what was already suspected, Zavoral had no offensive
upside. Zavoral appears happy as a defensive defenseman and could play in the
NHL some day (AHL at worst). However it appears that he has fallen out of favor
with
6th Round:
Jan Sochor, RW,
Slavia Prague – 161st Overall
Current Team:
Vsetin
A little known prospect from the
7th Round:
Vladimir Kulkov, G,
CSKA
Current Team:
From draft day steal to draft day dud Kulkov was an enigma
from day one. Kulkov slipped to the 7th round because CSS had him listed as a forward,
and therefore teams had nothing on him. Well Anders Hedberg recognized the
goalie formerly from CSKA Moscow, who had just completed a 32-6-2 1.79 GAA
season for the Meadville HS Bulldogs (
8th Round:
Pierre Hedin, D, MoDo
- 239th Overall
Current Team:
Modo
In Hedin Toronto was looking for another possible Kaberle,
now their looking for him to cross the pond. He was drafted after already
playing 3 years in the SEL and since then he has played 3 more. Hedin’s numbers
have been stable (about 13-16 points) for 4 years, but he had an excellent
playoff with 8 goals & 10 points. The Leafs would like to see him build on
that and take the next step in
9th Round:
Peter Metcalf, D,
Current Team:
NCAA complete – Awaiting assignment
This steady defenseman was
2000 NHL Draft:
Finally a draft where
Missed Picks:
Simon Gamache
Draft Grade: B
Hindsight Grade: B+
1st Round:
Brad Boyes, C,
Current Team:
In Boyes the Leafs got there best current prospect and a
future top two line player. He has dominated the OHL for years winning multiple
awards, and helped
2nd Round:
Kris Vernarsky, C,
Current Team:
In Vernarsky the Leafs had the proto-typical checking
center, in fact shutting down the oppositions top line is where he excelled. There
was some hope that he might develop a scoring touch, but it never occurred. He
had the skating, size, and defensive responsibility to be a future 3rd line
center for the Leafs. However they were unable to agree to a contract and his
rights were traded to
3rd Round:
Mikael Tellqvist, G,
Djurgarden – 70th Overall
Current Team:
The team with no future after Cujo found one. Tellqvist was
drafted after a great season in which he led Djurgarden to the SEL championship,
and followed this up with a second straight SEL title. He had a difficult
rookie season and took a while to adjust to the North American game, however he
started to improve near seasons end. Look for him to rebound to form next
season when he and Sebastien Centomo compete for the starting role.
Jean-Francois Racine,
G,
Current Team:
4th Round:
Miguel Delisle, RW,
Current Team:
Taken all the way at 100th overall Delisle has progressed
into one of the OHL’s most feared snipers. His offense improved every year and
under Brian Kilra so did his defensive play. Unfortunately he chose not to sign
with
6th Round:
Vadim Sozinov, C,
Current Team:
Metallurg Novokunetsk
This was the first of two draft picks acquired in the
Jonathan Hedstrom trade. Sozinov was drafted by the
7th Round:
Markus Seikola, D,
TPS JR. – 209th Overall
Current Team: TPS
The second pick acquired in the Jonathan Hedstrom trade is
where the Leafs struck gold. In Seikola they drafted a tough physical defensemen
with good offensive upside. His game still has rough edges due to his late
start in hockey at age 15, but he is improving rapidly. He played well at the
2001 WJC and was a physical force on
Lubos Velebny, D,
Zvolen – 223rd Overall
Current Team:
Physical play and a solid 2 way game is what attracted
8th Round:
Alexander Shinkar, C,
Current Team:
Salavat Yulayev
Shinkar is a long shot prospect. Due to a late growth spurt
he has NHL size, but requires major improvement to his offensive game and
skating. However his biggest concern is a lack of discipline as he takes too
many penalties, a problem which may have cost him a place in the WJC. With no
deadline to sign him the Leafs can be patient with Shinkar and hope he can
become a player.
9th Round:
Jean-Philippe Cote,
D,
Current Team:
A once highly regarded defense prospect that fell heavily in
the draft,
2001 NHL Draft:
Weak and strong drafts share a problem, too many prospects
evenly rated. This allowed a couple of great prospects to fall to Toronto. The
year of the defenseman has to be considered a success already. Colaiacovo is considered
by some to be top 3 material, Harrison has already made the AHL and Pilar has
already reached the NHL. On top of that 9 of the 11 players drafted played in
the 2001 WJC.
Missed Picks:
Pasi Nurminen
Draft Grade: B+
Hindsight Grade: N/A
1st Round:
Carlo Colaiacovo, D,
Erie – 17th Overall
Current Team:
Erie Otters
After going across the pond for its 98 & 99 first rounder’s,
Toronto made it back to back picks from their backyard in 2000 & 2001.
Though he doesn’t have the size to be a #1 defender he has a great 2 way game
and excellent work ethic. Colaiacovo played a major roll in Erie’s OHL championship
and was outstanding for Team Canada at the 2001 WJC. To paraphrase a scout,
Colaiacovo is the kind of player you use in the final minutes of a game whether
your leading or trailing.
2nd Round:
Karel Pilar, D,
Litvonov – 39th Overall
Current Team:
Toronto Maple Leafs
When Toronto drafted Pilar a collective “WHO?” ran through Leaf fans. Well
we know who he is now. Drafted due to his age and readiness for the NHL, he was
supposed to be insurance incase contract talks stalled with Kaberle. He started
the season slowly in St. John’s but improved by midseason. He finished with
Toronto as a replacement for Yushkevich when he went down. His play continued
to get stronger every game, and played well in the Playoffs but was lost to a
broken thumb. Expect him to nail the #4 spot in 2002 if no UFA is signed.
3rd Round:
Brendan Bell, D,
Ottawa – 65th Overall
Current Team:
Ottawa 67′s
Bell is a defenseman with one setting – offense. Drafted for
that quality he may yet become a powerplay specialist. He is a good skater and
playmaker but sometimes shies away from physical play. Bell was expected to
lead Ottawa’s defense until former Leaf Jonathan Zion returned. To reach the
NHL he must improve his defensive play and find a physical edge or he will be
left behind by Toronto’s other top 2001 picks.
Jay Harrison, D,
Brampton – 82nd Overall
Current Team: St.
John’s Maple Leafs
At one time Harrison was considered a top pick for 2001. He possessed
great size, skating and a mean streak to go along with adequate offensive
abilities. What caused him to drop to the 3rd round was his undisciplined play.
However, he proved his detractors wrong in the following season with a career
year offensively and very disciplined play. He signed a Pro contract after
Brampton’s season was over and finished with St. John’s. He played though the
end of the season and AHL playoffs, and never looked out of place.
Nicolas Corbeil, C,
Sherbrooke – 88th Overall
Current Team:
Sherbrooke Castors
This Leafs traded Igor Korolev to Chicago to get the 88th
pick and select Corbeil. While QMJHL players have been a disaster for the Leafs
recently, Corbeil my buck the trend. Toronto was attracted to the pivot due to
his hard nosed play style of play more expected in a 6’2″ center than a
5’11″ one. If Corbeil can improve his skating and offense he may make the
NHL on the 3rd line.
5th Round:
Kyle Wellwood, C,
Bellville – 134th Overall
Current Team:
Windsor Spitfires
Wellwood is a purely offensive player. How does someone who
has a 118 point season in the OHL (a whopping 67 point increase) fall to the
5th round? Simple his 5’9″ frame and suspicions that he benefited from his
line mates scared teams off. While his totals did drop to 75 points this year
he also played 14 less games. Wellwood was traded to Windsor midseason for Jason
Spezza. Ironically he led Windsor to the third round (where Boyes &
Colaiacovo ended their season), while Bellville was eliminated in the second.
6th Round:
Maxim Kondratiev, D,
Russia – 168th Overall
Current Team:
Lada Togliatti
This tall lanky defenseman plays a stay at home game. He is position-ally
sound and a good skater but without any offense. He will have to fill out his
frame to even entertain thoughts of crossing the pond. Not a flashy player but dependable.
He played well on the Russian gold medal WJC team.
Jaroslav Sklenar, W,
Brno Jr. – 183rd Overall
Current Team:
Znojemsti Excalibur Orli
Sklenar was drafted by the Ottawa 67′s of the OHL but only
played 4 games before returning to Europe due to homesickness. He then bounced
through 3 European teams and also represented the Czech Republic at the WJC. A
forward with two speeds fast & faster, if Sklenar can learn to use his
passing & shooting skills at top speed he might become a good prospect. Hopefully
he will return to North America soon.
7th Round:
Ivan Kolozvary, W,
Trencin – 193rd Overall
Current Team:
Dukla Trencin
Kolozvary is a long shot. Though he has good overall
abilities he must gain considerable weight & strength to get a shot in North
America. He had a dismal year in Slovakia where he wasn’t able to create much
offense, but raised his game in the WJC.
Jan Chovan, G, Belleville
- 213th Overall
Current Team:
Chovan was drafted on the promise he showed in
8th Round:
Tomas Mojzis, D,
Current Team:
It was surprising to find Mojzis available in the 8th round
(I figured he go in the 5th or 6th). The sole Leaf prospect in the WHL, Mojzis
is another two-way defenseman who can throw some great checks. His offensive
abilities must improve if he is to rise in a
9th Round:
Michael Koepfli, W,
Current Team:
Cornell Big Red
Any time you take someone before they even play in junior
your looking long term. Koepfli already has NHL size and has shown some strong
offensive abilities. He will have a larger role for Cornell in 2002-2003. The
jump from Tier 2 Jr to the NCAA is a big one, and with his rookie season under
his belt this year will show the Leafs if he was worth the gamble.
