As day two wrapped up in South Florida, the Maple Leafs strategy going in the 2015 NHL Draft became quite clear…Skill and character are going to shape the team going forward.
In the past, size had been a determining factor for Leafs drafts. This year, six of Toronto’s first seven picks registered at heights under six feet. It’s a significant departure from Leafs drafts of the past.
“He loves skill, he can’t help himself but he loves skill,” said Leafs Head Coach Mike Babcock of Leafs Co-Interim General Manager Mark Hunter.
Skill ranks high, but being of the right type of character is a close second, as Babcock gave a bit of a peak into what he’s looking for in his team.