The top three draft picks under new Penguins Vice-President Wes Clark

This is the third occasion Clark has partnered with Penguins General Manager Kyle Dubas, having worked together previously in both the OHL and Toronto. From 2018 onwards, the Maple Leafs drafted 46 players at the NHL Entry Draft, though only 10 have made it to the NHL. Notably, Sean Durzi and Rasmus Sandin are the only ones who have played over 91 games, and neither stayed with the organization for long.

In his roles as Assistant Director of Player Personnel from 2018 to 2022, and later as Director, Clark significantly influenced the Maple Leafs' draft choices. While scouting is inherently a team effort, final decisions rest with a select few, and Clark was integral to this decision-making process.

Reflecting on this, let's explore the top three draft picks Toronto made during his leadership in the scouting department.

NHL fans may recognize the last name Robertson because Nick's brother, Jason, is a 100-point scorer with the Dallas Stars. Drafted in the second round in 2019, Nick Robertson finally earned a more prominent role with the Maple Leafs, skating in 56 games last season and scoring 27 points.

In his junior career, Robertson averaged more than a point per game in his final two seasons. He then thrived with the Toronto Marlies in the AHL, accumulating 57 points in 60 games. Despite being in and out of the Maple Leafs lineup over four seasons, he recently requested a trade to start anew with another team.

Matthew Knies recently completed his debut full season in the NHL, tallying an impressive 35 points, with 15 goals, across 80 games. During his time at the University of Minnesota, he clinched a B1G championship and earned the title of the division's Player of the Year.

Knies, who amassed 42 points in 40 games, was also a finalist for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award. Now a leading forward for the Maple Leafs, he plays alongside stars Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner�a notable achievement for a 21-year-old.

Easton Cowan quickly made a name for himself with the London Knights in the 2023-24 season, showcasing why he was a first-round draft pick just a year prior and emerging as one of hockey's elite prospects.

At only 19 years old, Cowan achieved 96 points in 54 games, led his team to an OHL championship, was honored as the league's most outstanding player, and received the playoff MVP award. Although he is set to remain with London for the 2024-25 season, there is a growing sentiment that he deserves an opportunity to play for the Maple Leafs and prove his worth during training camp.

Should Cowan continue to perform at this high level, he could potentially become Toronto's best prospect since Auston Matthews.

Clark's achievements with the Maple Leafs highlight his expertise in recognizing and nurturing talent. As he embarks on this new chapter with the Pittsburgh Penguins, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how his influence shapes the future of the team's roster.

Source: The Hockey News
3 Best Toronto Maple Leafs Draft Picks Under Wes Clark