I know this is an old thread, but I just wanted to add my thoughts here.
I have a thread with interesting players (not necessarily BPA) for the Leafs, and in it is
@SammyT_51 's picks too. I'll link that
here.
In terms of what the Leafs should do with the 15th overall pick I have a very short list.
Askarov
Lundell
Jarvis
If none are available, Do this:
Quoting: kous
Draft a D unless its part of a huge upgrade on D with term
By doing that:
Quoting: EnvironmentalTwister
trade down
I imagine that at least Jarvis will be there at 15, Lundell has a chance and Askarov is a long shot.
Outside of those 3, I don't see any super duper top end talent that I don't think we could trade back a few spots for and still pick up.
Quoting: aadoyle
Draft Braden Schneider easy
Guy plays a tonne of minutes, is physical, plays a very good defensive game, and could push for an NHL job this season. Plus 925k for 4 years that's perfect for a cap strapped team like us
Quoting: leaflet
I wouldn't pick Grans personally, certainly not at 15. Way too risky, and away from priorities the Leafs should focus on: sound, positional & gifted defenders in their zone. I'd be shocked if that happened.
We had this discussion before on CF, but the reality is that the Leafs will probably have to pick a forward at 15. There could be a steal available at that rank.
Gulhe is the only D who could be available at no 15, and that I would like the Leafs to take. He's left handed. And I expect him, Drysdale and Sanderson to all go very high. As was the case in previous drafts, good defensemen always go out higher than what people project.
Schneider would be nice as a second round pick, as others pointed out not at 15.
A fun question is: what if Askarov is there, do you take him?
While I think I'd like Schneider on the Leafs, I don't even believe he is the 3rd best Dman in the draft and that the Leafs can do better later in the first or even second round (Topi Niemela and Emil Andae are my babies, although if Grans, Wallinder, or Barron is your thing you can also get them later in the draft). I also get a weird feeling with Schneider and I think it was put best here:
Quoting: EnvironmentalTwister
Schneider just seems to be Luke Schenn 2.0
Plus there is the issue of timelines for him. The reason you never draft for need is because (Like
@JaredOfLondon said) outside of the top 2 you aren't getting a player who will impact your team for at least 2 years, and that is a best case scenario (See Sandin). If the Leafs still have such a pressing need for a 2nd pair Dman with a little physicality in two years that drafting Schneider is a good idea over someone else/trading back than there is a much larger issue at hand and we need a change of management.