Eeli Tolvanen spent the whole season in the top 10 of just about every draft ranking. As the best finisher in this draft class, his scoring potential is through the roof. However, when Bob McKenzie surveyed ten NHL scouts last month, Tolvanen did not rank in the top 15.
If Tolvanen is available at #17, the Leafs should take him in a heartbeat. Throw the team’s needs out the window at that point, and take the best player available. We have seen undersized forwards fall in the past, and this year could be no exception.
Tolvanen stands 5’10”, and he brings the ability to play either wing.