A nice test awaits the Maple Leafs’ staff.
Specifically, those who work in scouting and in research and development.
The National Hockey League unveiled on Tuesday the official draft order, from the No. 1 pick, which the New York Rangers are expected to use on Alexis Lafreniere, to No. 217, which is owned by the Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning.
In between, the Leafs will have 11 selections, starting at No. 15, though general manager Kyle Dubas has said he is open to trading that first-round pick. The first round of the 2020 draft will be held virtually on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. Eastern, while rounds 2-7 will follow on Oct. 7.
The homework done by the Leafs will come into play in the latter stages of the draft. Of their picks, seven are in rounds 5-7.
The Leafs’ picks are: 15 (from Pittsburgh), 44, 106, 122 (from Vegas), 153 (from Vegas), 168, 177 (from Carolina), 180 (from Colorado), 189 (from San Jose), 195 (from Winnipeg via Minnesota) and 212 (from St. Louis).
The Leafs have discovered diamonds in the later-rounds rough in recent years, including Pierre Engvall (188th in 2014) and Andreas Johnsson (202nd in 2013). Defenceman Tomas Kaberle, taken 204th in 1996, turned out to be the best of the later-round picks by Toronto.
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