The Toronto Maple Leafs have experienced their fair share of triumphs in the NHL, but their draft history also includes some notable misses. While we’ve previously explored some of their successful draft picks, it’s time to delve into the other side of the coin. Let’s examine four players who, despite being selected in the first round, failed to live up to expectations.
Jiri Tlusty: A High Pick, Low Return
Selected 13th overall in the 2006 draft, Jiri Tlusty holds the distinction of being both the highest-drafted player on this list and the one with the most NHL games played. However, his impact on the Maple Leafs was minimal, with just 74 games and 20 points in three seasons. While these numbers might be acceptable for a later-round pick, they are undeniably disappointing for a player chosen so high.
Tlusty found more success with the Carolina Hurricanes, where he established himself as a solid middle-six forward. Unfortunately, his early potential with the Maple Leafs was never fully realized. To add insult to injury, the Flyers selected Claude Giroux just nine picks after Tlusty. Giroux’s subsequent Hall-of-Fame-caliber career serves as a constant reminder of what could have been for Toronto.
Tyler Biggs: A Total Bust
The 2011 draft brought even more disappointment for the Maple Leafs. With the 22nd overall pick, they selected Tyler Biggs, a player who never managed to crack the NHL roster. Despite showing some promise in junior hockey, Biggs struggled in the minor leagues and ultimately faded from the professional hockey scene.
Stuart Percy: Another Disappointing First-Rounder
Also selected in the 2011 draft, Stuart Percy managed to play a handful of games for the Maple Leafs but failed to establish himself as a regular. His NHL career was short-lived, and he spent most of his time in the AHL. While the 2011 draft class wasn’t particularly deep, the Ducks managed to find several key contributors, including Rickard Rakell, John Gibson, and William Karlsson, just picks after Toronto selected Biggs and Percy.
Frederik Gauthier: A Physical Presence Without Production
Drafted 21st overall in 2013, Frederik Gauthier possessed impressive size but struggled to translate his physicality into consistent offensive production. Primarily used as a fourth-line center, Gauthier spent five seasons with the Maple Leafs but never managed to carve out a significant role. His offensive numbers were underwhelming, both at the NHL and AHL levels.
The Maple Leafs have undoubtedly made their share of mistakes in the draft, and the players highlighted in this article represent some of the most glaring examples. These selections serve as a reminder of the inherent risks involved in drafting young hockey players and the importance of effective player evaluation.
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