The Toronto Maple Leafs entered the 2025 NHL Entry Draft with a clear mandate: become a tougher, more competitive team. Without a first-round pick, the Leafs, led by General Manager Brad Treliving and new scouting director Mark Leach, focused on adding size, strength, and a relentless work ethic to their prospect pool. This strategy, however, has been met with mixed reviews, with some analysts questioning the team's emphasis on physicality over skill.
Toronto began its draft in the second round, selecting six players who all stand at least 6-foot-1. This singular focus on size was a deliberate attempt to address what the organization views as a crucial need for playoff success. Leach emphasized that when the skill sets were comparable, size became a deciding factor. He believes that "playoffs are a grind" and that "size matters, toughness matters".
The Leafs' first pick, Tinus Luc Koblar, a 6'3" center from Sweden, exemplifies this approach. While Koblar possesses a strong compete level and defensive awareness, he is considered a raw prospect who needs further development. The Maple Leafs are hoping that Koblar will take significant steps in the upcoming years to become a legitimate NHL prospect.
The second pick, Tyler Hopkins, a forward from the Kingston Frontenacs, is praised for his 200-foot game and competitiveness. While not the biggest player at 6'1", Hopkins plays with pace and models his game after Anthony Cirelli, known for his Selke-caliber play. The remaining picks – Harry Nansi, Will Belle, Rylan Fellinger, and Matthew Hlacar – further reinforced the Leafs' commitment to adding size and grit.
However, this strategy has drawn considerable criticism. ESPN's Rachel Doerrie gave the Leafs a "D" grade for their draft, arguing that they prioritized size over skill and left more dynamic and NHL-ready prospects on the board. She suggested that the Leafs imposed an edict on their scouting staff, forcing them to chase size instead of allowing them to select the best available players. Corey Pronman of The Athletic gave the Leafs a "C," expressing skepticism that the class would produce more than one NHL player.
Critics point to players like L.J. Mooney and Cameron Schmidt, who were passed over in favor of players deemed "raw" or "developmental". This suggests that the Leafs' picks are more long-term gambles than immediate solutions. Some observers argue that the Leafs are stocking up on players who are readily available in free agency, rather than targeting players with unique skill sets.
Despite the criticism, the Maple Leafs are standing by their strategy. They believe that adding size and toughness is essential for competing in the playoffs. The organization hopes that these players will develop into valuable contributors who can help the team achieve its ultimate goal of winning a Stanley Cup. Only time will tell if the Maple Leafs' bet on size and competitiveness will pay off, or if they sacrificed too much skill in the process.
