On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: With the Toronto Maple Leafs winning the draft lottery and Auston Matthews, it gives them a front-line center. Simmons writes:
“And with free agency coming and Steven Stamkos available this year — and possibly John Tavares available next year — it means the Leafs have more building options than they have had in so many years.”
The Leafs the Penguins first round pick as well, and they could be looking for ways to move up in the draft.
The Maple Leafs have some interest in Penguins goalie Matt Murray. The Penguins, Lightning and Ducks have depth in goal and are going to have to move one if there is an expansion draft next year.
On the Calgary Flames …
Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Herald: The Calgary Flames ended up dropping a slot in the draft lottery, falling to No. 6. They’ve had some luck in the sixth slot a few years ago with drafting Sean Monahan, but landed duds in Daniel Tkaczuk in 1997 and Rico Fata in 1998.
“You’re always hoping you’re going to move up, but you have to make the right pick now,” Treliving said. “We’re confident — we’re really confident — that we’re going to get a good player at No. 6.”
If the Flames are looking at a forward, they should be able to draft one of Pierre-Luc Dubois, Alex Nylander or Matthew Tkachuk.
If looking at a defenseman, Jakob Chychrun and Olli Juolevi would be options.
On the Arizona Coyotes …
Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic: The Arizona Coyotes are happy they remained at No. 7 and not dropping back after the draft lottery drawing. They Coyotes had only a 6.5 percent of winning the lottery, and had the potential to drop to No. 10.
“I’m grateful that we didn’t slip,” said President, CEO and co-owner Anthony LeBlanc, who represented the team at the reveal in Toronto. “We went through that process last year, and that’s a difficult pill to swallow. So I am glad that we stuck at seven.”
The Coyotes have been stockpiling forwards in recent drafts, so it’s likely they are targeting some defensemen this year. They could have a shot at Jakob Chychrun, Olli Juolevi and Charles McAvoy.
“There’s some really exciting defensive prospects in this draft right around where we’re going to pick,” LeBlanc said. “So while we’re all sitting here disappointed because of the fact we didn’t get No.1, from a fan base perspective and from what we’re going to do as a team, this is going to work out OK.”
The Coyotes also have the NY Rangers first round pick from the Keith Yandle trade.
