- RickJames77

15. Toronto: Mavrik Bourque, C, Shawinigan-QMJHL

Joshua Kloke: Kyle Dubas values skill and hockey sense, and there’s no shortage of players who offer those attributes at No. 15. And that actually makes this a difficult pick. Dubas and the Leafs didn’t have a first-round pick in 2019, and had to make a trade to acquire this pick, so there’s certainly increased pressure to get this one right. Though there is an organizational need for defensemen, the type of blueliner that Dubas likes might not be worth using this pick on. Dawson Mercer still being available is surprising, but it’s hard to see Dubas walking away from Mavrik Bourque, the highly skilled playmaker with big-time hockey IQ. They’d be able to get him working with Barb Underhill to improve his skating, and he’s the type of player who can make those around him better. In the long-term, you can see his skill blending well with some of the Leafs’ other skilled forwards. He’s smallish but agile, has excellent vision with the puck and could develop into a special player. It feels like a gamble, but Dubas has gambled with this type of player before in Nick Robertson and it’s paid off.


Found this very interesting. From the Athletic.
- dozerD10

Just what the Leafs need. They're waaay too big.

Just what the Leafs need. They're waaay too big.
- 21peter

A smaller, skilled winger? Sure, why not... We don't really have any...

A smaller, skilled winger? Sure, why not... We don't really have any...
- PatC80

He’s a centre.

- RickJames77

I've taken my Fours pint glass out of regular circulation.

It only comes out on special occasions.

A smaller, skilled winger? Sure, why not... We don't really have any...
- PatC80

My favourite part is how he can't skate.

That ALWAYS works out well.

I like how so many people assume Nylander will be the one traded and no one would take Marner. Leafs have already paid 30.3mil of Marner's 65.3mil contract with 5 years still remaining. That's 7mil in actual money a team would have to pay, plus the bonus of getting over the cap floor.

He’s a centre.
- Steven_Seagull

Until we move him to wing because he's not big enough to play centre, and his skating isn't strong enough.

He’s a centre.
- Steven_Seagull

Well that's even better, now that Gauthier is a Red Wing.. So glad we got the rights to Howard and Luke Glendening..

Until we move him to wing because he's not big enough to play centre, and his skating isn't strong enough.
- Atomic Wedgie

Kyle Wellwood 2.0

He’s a centre.
- Steven_Seagull

Even better; 2 small wingers should make him comfortable

Well that's even better, now that Gauthier is a Red Wing.. So glad we got the rights to Howard and Luke Glendening..
- PatC80

Even better; 2 small wingers should make him comfortable
- 21peter

Robertson and Malgin

Roeper's an idiot! Toronto over BJS proves it. He picked Dallas, everyone did (What?)
- RogerRoeper

Holy (frank)

I like how so many people assume Nylander will be the one traded and no one would take Marner. Leafs have already paid 30.3mil of Marner's 65.3mil contract with 5 years still remaining. That's 7mil in actual money a team would have to pay, plus the bonus of getting over the cap floor.
- matt1337

Marner to Nashville for Arvidsson, Fabbro, 11th pick

Holy (frank)
- GreatGigInTheSky

I picked Tampa. What do I win?

Marner to Nashville for Arvidsson, Fabbro, 11th pick
- Steven_Seagull

That's an interesting deal. Very interesting.

My favourite part is how he can't skate.

That ALWAYS works out well.
- Atomic Wedgie

it'll be a great pick once the Leafs skating coach teaches him how to stop, without using the boards...

I MUST NOT BE DRAWN INTO POLITICAL DISCUSSIONS. I MUST NOT BE DRAWN INTO POLITICAL DISCUSSIONS.
- Canada Cup

from Fishing GIFs via Gfycat

- Steven_Seagull

it'll be a great pick once the Leafs skating coach teaches him how to stop, without using the boards...
- PatC80

Good reference.

I MUST NOT BE DRAWN INTO POLITICAL DISCUSSIONS. I MUST NOT BE DRAWN INTO POLITICAL DISCUSSIONS.
- Canada Cup

A smaller, skilled winger? Sure, why not... We don't really have any...
- PatC80

As long as the small, skilled winger is the best player - take him.

We would be pissed if the Leafs passed over Robertson because he was a small, skilled winger. Just take the BPA, a whole will inevitably open up in the lineup.

Marner to Nashville for Arvidsson, Fabbro, 11th pick
- Steven_Seagull

Forsberg instead of Arvidsson and it's a deal.

Holy (frank)
- GreatGigInTheSky

The Great Roger