SenShot NHL Mock Draft Pick #21 – Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs are a team in transition, having made the playoffs for the first time in ages and pushing the Bruins to within an eyelash of elimination.  While it was a wake-up call for the Bruins, the Leafs cannot overestimate their performance and think that the team is further ahead than they think they are.  They are up with the 21st pick in the SenShot mock draft.

#21 – TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

May 13, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Cody Franson (4) celebrates his goal with his teammates during the second period in game seven of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

TEAM STRENGTHS:  Goaltending, Solid Defense core

TEAM WEAKNESSES: Depth up the middle, skilled, offensively gifted forwards

HOCKEY’S FUTURE ORGANIZATIONAL PROSPECT RANK: 24th of 30 teams

UNDER CONSIDERATION:   Josh Morrisey, Rasmus Ristolainen, Nicolas Petan, Andre Burakovsky

FANSIDED MOCK DRAFT PICK: Editor In Leaf selected Andre Burakovsky

SENSHOT’S CHOICE: Rasmus Ristolainen from Turku in the Finnish Elite League. I am doing this mock draft and I can’t believe I haven’t had a team take him yet.  He is just too good to pass up any longer despite the Leafs’ strength on the blue line.  At 6’3″ and over 200 lbs, Ristolainen provides mobility, escapability and some physicality.  In the real draft he probably won’t be around at 21, but based on team needs that is where I have him slotted.

SENSHOT’S MOCK DRAFT TO DATE (click on team to view the selection):