Mark Leach’s job is to build the Maple Leafs’ prospect base — without a first-round draft pick the next three years

Maple Leafs' head scout Mark Leach hopes to find late gem at NHL draft

In 1969, at the first universal draft, the Philadelphia Flyers picked bruising Don Saleski 64th, who made the NHL in two years and won two Stanley Cups.

Mark Leach’s job is to build the Maple Leafs’ prospect base — without a first-round draft pick the next three years

The Leafs' director of amateur of scouting was with teams (Detroit and Dallas) who were used to finding talent outside of the first round.

Maple Leafs draft czar Mark Leach on the importance of size on defense: "Well, look at the playoffs... I do like size, no question about it"

Ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft, Director of Amateur Scouting Mark Leach discussed preparation for a decentralized draft without a first-round pick, prioritizing size on defense, working under Brad Treliving, and Ben Danford’s development. What is the preparation like for a draft where you aren’t picking until #64 and there are possibilities of movement up […]