AnalysisJohn Chayka is the general manager of the Maple Leafs. Michael Chisholm / Getty ImagesJune 26, 2026 6:00 am EDT Updated The Toronto Maple Leafs have seven picks in the 2026 NHL Draft: Nos. 1, 60, 69, 85, 114, 158, 169. Here’s what to expect.View from the beatThe Leafs are desperately thin in the middle after Auston Matthews, and part of the reason is they haven’t landed many centers at the draft — and the two they did, Pontus Holmberg and Fraser Minten, were both let go. The Leafs’ defense — except Morgan Rielly — were all drafted by other teams. The Leafs need to develop more of their own. The few they did hit on over the years — Rasmus Sandin, Sean Durzi, Timothy Liljegren — were also traded for one reason or another. Overall, they need high-end skill and upside. Matthew Knies, a second-round pick in 2021, was a rare home run at the draft. The Leafs need more big swings, players with high-end skill and upside who might one day develop into impact NHL players. — Jonas SiegelPronman’s team needsMatthew Knies has been excellent in the NHL, and Easton Cowan projects as a competitive middle-six winger. Finding a top defense prospect is the Maple Leafs’ thinnest area, especially given they will probably take another winger at No. 1.