We take a look at the list of players who could potentially be available to the incoming Leafs GM at No. 5<\/p>\n
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Published Apr 12, 2026 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 Last updated 1\u00a0hour ago \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 4 minute read<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n You can save this article by registering for free here<\/a>. Or sign-in<\/a> if you have an account.<\/p>\n The Maple Leafs have earned their place in the bottom five of the overall NHL standings.<\/p>\n Advertisement 2<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/p>\n THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authors<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Now, with the first round of the 2026 NHL draft back on their front-burner, the Leafs have to maintain their bottom-five status<\/a> heading into the final few days of the regular season to have the best chance of keeping the top-five pick.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n From the way they\u2019ve been playing lately \u2014 they\u2019re riding a five-game losing streak during which they\u2019ve been outscored 26-12 \u2014 there is little evidence to suggest the Leafs will win either of their remaining two games.<\/p>\n The Dallas Stars will be the opponent on Monday night at Scotiabank Arena when the Leafs close out their home schedule. And never mind that the Stars, sitting third in the overall standings with 108 points, are dealing with numerous injuries (including star defenceman Miro Heiskanen and forward Roope Hintz). The Florida Panthers, who couldn\u2019t carry the Stars\u2019 hockey bags this season, trounced the Leafs on Saturday night<\/a> despite having 12 players out with injuries.<\/p>\n On Wednesday, it\u2019s a final Battle of Ontario as the Leafs hit Ottawa to take on the Senators, who have clinched a playoff spot. Even if the Sens rest some regulars in their final game before the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, would that give the Leafs any sort of advantage? Unlikely.<\/p>\n Your Midday Sun<\/p>\n Thanks for signing up!<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Advertisement 3<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Blue-chip prospects available at No. 5<\/p>\n The most that Leafs Nation could hope for now is that the Leafs slip to 29th overall. For that to happen, they would have to lose their last two games in regulation and the New York Rangers, three points back of Toronto, would have to win their final two. The Rangers finish with a trip to Florida and Tampa Bay.<\/p>\n Point is, if the Leafs have a top-five pick once the draft lottery settles \u2014 if the lottery unfolds in nightmarish fashion for the Leafs, it would mean falling out of the top five, in which their pick goes to the Boston Bruins as part of the Brandon Carlo trade last March \u2014 they\u2019re going to have an opportunity to select a blue-chip prospect.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s assume that the Leafs pick fifth and by the time they make their selection, wingers Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg have been snapped up. The previous time the Leafs chose fifth overall was in 2012, when they picked Morgan Rielly<\/a>.<\/p>\n No matter who the new general manager is in Toronto or what philosophy he goes by, the group of players available in the draft won\u2019t change. Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment president and CEO Keith Pelley will be conducting interviews with prospective GM candidates this week.<\/p>\n Advertisement 4<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n We take a look at the list of players who could be available to the incoming Leafs GM at No. 5:<\/p>\n RECOMMENDED VIDEO We apologize, but this video has failed to load.<\/p>\n Play VideoKeaton Verhoeff, D, North Dakota (NCAA)<\/p>\n The 6-foot-4, 212-pound Alberta native had 20 points (six goals and 14 assists) in 36 games. He will turn 18 on June 19, but already is billed as the full package on the blue-line with hockey IQ, two-way qualities and a willingness to take the body. Is the right-shot defenceman still there at No. 5? Probably not. If he is, the Leafs would be silly to pass on him.<\/p>\n In his second season with the Greyhounds, the Michigan native recorded 48 points (18 goals and 30 assists) in 45 games and has continued to contribute in the playoffs. Another righty, the 6-foot-2, 187-pound Reid shone for the United States at the world juniors this winter in Minnesota. His skating is top notch and he helps set the pace in all situations.<\/p>\n Carson Carels, D, Prince George (WHL)<\/p>\n The Manitoba native\u2019s game is marked by a competitive streak that helps set him apart in this draft class. What\u2019s more, Carels boasts a great shot from the blue-line; he had 73 points (20 goals and 53 assists) in 58 games for the Cougars and had five assists through his first six playoff games. The 6-foot-2, 194-pound Carels, a left shot, turns 18 in June.<\/p>\n Advertisement 5<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n After putting up 84 points (29 goals and 55 assists) in 67 regular-season games, the 6-foot-2, 183-pound Toronto native had 13 points in the Bulldogs\u2019 first six playoff games. His high-level sense blends well with work ethic and skating ability. Wouldn\u2019t it be something if he wound up with the Leafs with his dad Manny, whose name has popped up in speculation to be Toronto\u2019s next coach if Craig Berube is fired?<\/p>\n Alberts Smits, D, ECH Munchen (Germany)<\/p>\n Despite turning 18 in December, the 6-foot-3, 205-pound Smits played well for Latvia at the Winter Olympics in Italy, making his mark with his size, mobility and offensive instincts. He spent much of the season with Jukurit in Finland before being loaned to the German side at the end of February. The left-shot Smits had 13 points in 38 games with Jukurit and has contributed four points in eight playoff games for Munchen.<\/p>\n Daxon Rudolph, D, Prince Albert (WHL)<\/p>\n The 6-foot-2, 203-pound Alberta native has blossomed in his second season with the Raiders, recording 78 points (28 goals and 50 assists) in 68 games, including 35 points on the power play, most among WHL defencemen. His hockey smarts are evident both in possession and when he\u2019s defending. The right-shot D-man has kept up the production in the playoffs, posting 11 points through seven games.<\/p>\n Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University (NCAA)<\/p>\n A New Brunswick native, the 6-foot, 185-pound Lawrence joined the Terriers after starting the season with Muskegon of the United States Hockey League, finishing with two goals and five assists in 18 games at Boston U. Like a lot of the top 2026 draft prospects, Lawrence\u2019s work ethic, desire and package of skills set him apart. He turns 18 in August.<\/p>\n tkoshan@postmedia.com<\/a><\/p>\n X: @koshtorontosun<\/a><\/p>\n Read More<\/p>\n![\"North](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HKN-HKO-Frozen-Four-20260408-e1776017341987.jpg\")
North Dakota defenceman Keaton Verhoeff (18) playing against Quinnipiac on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Sioux City, S.D. () Photo by Craig Lassig \/AP PhotoArticle content<\/p>\n![\"Toronto](\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/20.9.1\/websites\/images\/identity\/logo-identity-tsun.svg\"){kind=logo}
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Chase Reid of the Soo Greyhounds. Photo by Mike Hensen \/Postmedia NetworkChase Reid, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)<\/p>\n![\"Caleb](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1223-br-bulldogs.BR_-e1776017842858.jpg\")
Caleb Malhotra of the Brantford Bulldogs. Photo by OHL ImagesCaleb Malhotra, C, Brantford (OHL)<\/p>\n
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