Bob McKenzie Highlights a Promising Prospect for the Leafs in Upcoming NHL Draft

As the Stanley Cup Playoffs wrap up, the focus shifts to the draft, scheduled to take place this Friday in Las Vegas. Amidst the flurry of activities, including the opening of the buyout window, all eyes are on who will snag the top spots in this year's draft.

Macklin Celebrini is tipped to be the first pick for the San Jose Sharks. The anticipation builds beyond the first choice, with prospects like Ivan Demidov, Artyom Levshunov, Anton Silayev, and Cayden Lindstrom expected to round out the top five. Meanwhile, teams such as Utah and Ottawa have shown openness to trading their top-7 selections, adding to the pre-draft excitement. High-profile players like Martin Necas and Trevor Zegras are also stirring significant trade speculation.

Amid various draft predictions and analyses, Bob McKenzie's insights remain particularly influential due to his deep understanding of team needs and draft dynamics. His predictions often mirror the actual outcomes, making his rankings a critical reference.

This year, the draft appears to lean towards defense, with five defensemen predicted in the top-8. However, significant attention is on the forwards just outside the top 10, including Tij Iginla and Cole Eiserman, ranked 10th and 14th respectively. Of particular interest to Toronto Maple Leafs fans is Cole Beaudoin, who is positioned 23rd in McKenzie's list.

Hailing from Kanata, Ontario, Beaudoin has made a name for himself playing center for the Barrie Colts in the OHL. At 6'2" and 210 pounds, he brings size and strength to the ice, essential attributes for a power forward. This past season, he impressed with 28 goals and 62 points over 67 games, showing marked improvement from his earlier tally of 8 goals and 20 points.

Known for his robust 200-foot game, Beaudoin excels in physical play and possesses keen hockey instincts. While his skating has drawn some criticism, it is a common critique among power forward prospects, suggesting it may not hinder his NHL potential.

As the draft approaches, other notable names around the 23rd pick include Sacha Boisvert, Michael Hage, Emil Hemming, and E.J. Emery. The Leafs, looking to bolster their center line, might find Beaudoin an attractive option if available at their slot.

For more detailed statistics on Cole Beaudoin's journey and performance, visit his profile on Elite Prospects:
Cole Beaudoin stats and bio