In an interview following the 2019 NHL draft, John Lilley, the director of amateur scouting for the Toronto Maple Leafs divulged some information that’s pretty interesting, in regard to the Leafs draft focus. Lilley stated that the focus heading into the draft was on identifying two key traits in players, skill and intelligence. This is a shift far from what was the focus of the Leafs for many years. Right up to the 2016 and 2017 NHL drafts the Leafs prioritized size and physical acumen over intelligence. There seemed to be a focus on drafting the biggest and strongest athlete and developing the decision making later.
Toronto Maple Leafs: New Player Development Focus?
