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Leafs' Draft Pick Fate Hangs in Balance
15 Apr
Summary
- Colorado Avalanche loss eliminated Leafs' chance for better draft pick.
- Maple Leafs dealt their 2026 first-round pick to Boston.
- Leafs' pick is top-5 protected, offering a chance to retain it.
The Toronto Maple Leafs' path to retaining their 2026 first-round draft selection has become more challenging. A recent 3-1 defeat of the Calgary Flames by the Colorado Avalanche has removed any possibility for the Maple Leafs to finish with fewer points than the Flames in the overall standings.
This outcome means the Maple Leafs will conclude the 2025-26 season with either the fifth or sixth worst record in the NHL. Their final positioning will directly influence their chances in the upcoming NHL Draft lottery on May 5, which will determine where they pick and if they have a selection at all.
In March 2025, the Maple Leafs traded this valuable first-round pick, along with prospect Fraser Minten, to the Boston Bruins for defenseman Brandon Carlo. However, the deal includes a crucial top-5 protection clause, ensuring Toronto keeps the selection if it falls within that range after the lottery drawing.
The Maple Leafs are set to play their final game of the season against the Ottawa Senators. Currently, they hold a 32-35-14 record with 78 points. With the Seattle Kraken having two games remaining and holding a tiebreaker advantage, Toronto is likely to secure the fifth-worst record, contingent on not winning their final game.
