5 Options for the Maple Leafs’ 2nd-Round Pick in 2026 NHL Draft

With luck being on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ side winning the first-overall pick, it gives them an opportunity to select the highly skilled playmaker in Gavin McKenna. While it’s not set in stone as the possibility of selecting Ivar Stenberg remains, the Maple Leafs are in a great spot to add to their depleted prospect pool. 

That also includes the second-round pick they got from the Los Angeles Kings in the Scott Laughton trade. With the Kings making the playoffs, the conditional pick got bumped up and the pick belonging to the Buffalo Sabres will go to the Maple Leafs. While it’s later in the second round, there are plenty of options for them in order to add a quality prospect to their system. 

Axel Elofsson, RD, Örebro HK U20 (Nationell)

The Maple Leafs have some great two-way defenders in Ben Danford and Noah Chadwick, though they truly continue to lack a dynamic, offensive minded, puck-moving defenseman. If they didn’t win the draft lottery and selected fifth overall, they probably had a number of options. Though Axel Elofsson is a great backup option and could be a valuable pick on the second day. He had 41 points in 32 games during the regular season– leading all defenders– and added another 11 points in 14 playoff games.

Elofsson’s an extremely effective passer and distributor in transition and on the rush, carrying the puck confidently and with purpose. He’s got great agility and edgework to make quick movements and changes his speed very well. He’s patient with the puck, can find the shooting lanes well and shows great control and hands to get around players. His defensive game is a work in progress and lacks the strength. While some teams are still hesitant with undersized puck-moving defenders, the Maple Leafs shouldn’t hesitate if he’s available.

Jonas Lagerberg Hoen, RW, Leksands IF U20 (Nationell)

If it weren’t for a leg injury that kept him out for most of the season, talk around Jonas Lagerberg Hoen would probably be much greater. He already had 16 points in nine games to start the season and had a staggering 27 goals (only three assists) last season, tying Viggo Bjorck with the same amount and one more than Ivar Stenberg, both of whom are likely to be top-five picks.

Lagerberg Hoen is a goal scorer and shot generator with great size and energy. He can easily build up a great amount of speed and come down barreling on the wing to attack defenders head on. He’s great at spotting routes to carry the puck and push his way to the middle of the ice for quality scoring chances. He has a great set of hands and when he has the time and space for a shot, he will take advantage of it as he has great power and accuracy. He’s not talked about enough because of the lack of play time and would’ve been a key contributor for Sweden at the World U18 Championship had he been healthy. 

Alessandro Di Iroio, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)

I’m a big fan of Alessandro Di Iorio’s game. He dealt with an injury to start the season and finished with 31 points in 45 games. While the offensive production wasn’t as consistent as he would like it to be, he was a reliable centreman for the Sarnia Sting. His game reminds me of Anthony Cirelli, where he may not be a major point producer at the next level, but he will provide a complete, two-way game with better flashes of skill.  

Di Iorio has great speed in transition, dictating the pace of play, pushing defenders back and using his quick hands and soft dekes to get around them with ease. He can really be deceptive as a playmaker, drawing players in and opening spaces up to put the puck in a great spot for his teammates. He can shield and protect the puck really well and attacks the middle with intent. He’s responsible on the backcheck and within his own zone, showing great awareness and anticipation skills. If the offense starts to come around, he could be a great addition.

Jakub Vanecek, LD, Tri-City Americans (WHL)

Even though he’s not a right shot, Jakub Vanecek is a very mobile and skilled defenseman on the backend. As a rookie skater, he finished with a respectable 35 points in 59 games and his 14 goals saw him finish 16^th among defenders in the Western Hockey League. He represented Czechia at the World U18 Championship and was a constant shooting threat on the backend. 

Vanecek has a very sound and effective two-way game. He’s a smooth skater when leading a rush attack and does a great job to find the shooting lanes for quality shots on target. He can successfully take time and space away from attackers and does a great job to get into lanes to break up plays. He doesn’t panic under pressure at both ends of the ice, showing great composure with the puck. He can get pucks on net and the Maple Leafs can really use more of that. 

Thomas Vandenberg, C, Ottawa 67’s (OHL)

Much like the direction the Maple Leafs could go with by selecting Di Iorio, Vanderberg is a two-way centre himself but provides more of a goal scoring element. He had 25 goals as a rookie in the OHL, good for third overall and finished fifth overall in points with 50. While that may seem kind of average, he did that as a 17-year-old. Being one of the youngest players in the draft, he has room to grow and develop which should bode well for him and any team that selects him. 

Watching him all season, Vandenberg’s game is built on being a solid and composed two-way centre with great offensive potential. He moves extremely well with his speed and edges to attack the middle, has a powerful shot and the ability to feather passes in tight spaces. While he has the offensive skillset, it’s his vision and play without the puck that stands out. He’s got great awareness and compete in order to force mistakes and capitalize on them. He has great attention to detail, is competitive and tenacious to attack players head on and doesn’t back down from a battle to regain possession.