With the 217th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Matthew Hlacar from the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League.
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Hlacar recorded seven goals and eight points in 43 games for Kitchener during the 2024-25 season. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound forward also recorded 62 penalty minutes.
It was Hlacar’s first season in the OHL, previously spending time with the St. Catharines Falcons of the GOJHL.
Toronto clearly prioritized adding forward depth throughout Day 2 of the draft. Tinus Luc Koblar was selected at No. 64, Tyler Hopkins went No. 86, William Belle was taken at No. 137 while Harry Nansi was selected at No. 153. Rylan Fellinger, a defenceman from the Flint Firebirds was selected with the No. 185 pick before Hlacar was their final selection of the draft.
Maple Leafs scouting director Mark Leach emphasized taking the best player available, during his media availability Thursday.
“Personally, you take the best available player talent-wise at that pick. When you get down to No. 64 and that area, these players take a little longer to develop. It’s not a straight line from point A to B. Most of them are 3-5 years away,” Leach said.
Hlacar fits the 3-5 years away timeline as a prospect who showed limited scoring touch during his lone season in the OHL.
It’s been an eventful weekend for the Maple Leafs, as it was reported on Saturday that the team has been discussing a sign-and-trade scenario with the Vegas Golden Knights involving Mitch Marner. They were also able to sign John Tavares to a four-year extension at an AAV of $4.38 million on Friday, while they are also focusing their efforts on extending Matthew Knies.
Leach, along with Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving are expected to address media Saturday afternoon. It’s clear that the Maple Leafs have emphasized adding forwards with some size and some hidden upside with limited draft capital. While it is unclear how many of these picks will ultimately pan out, shoring up their depth up front with players that fit their vision makes sense.
