The Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t picked in the top ten since they drafted Auston Matthews first overall in 2016.
In addition to five years of low picks, the Toronto Maple Leafs have had to overcome the horrible drafting of the Mark Hunter / Lou Lamoriello years. The old-school contingent (who ultimately, and correctly, lost the power struggle to lead the team) drafted for size and grit, and set the team back years with their poor drafting.
Under Kyle Dubas the Leafs swing for the fences. Utilizing the fact that you can acquire role players at will (as Dubas has shown every summer he’s been in charge) the Leafs draft for talent with the hope of hitting on a high-end player.