Maple Leafs ten days away from losing the rights to a promising young prospect

Under Kyle Dubas, the Leafs were known to select small, skilled players and Veeti Miettinen was no exception as he was listed at 5'8 and 160 pounds when the Leafs selected him in the sixth round of the 2020 draft. Since being drafted, Miettinen has added around 10 pounds to his frame and grown an inch as St. Cloud State's website now has him listed at 5'9 and 170 pounds. Miettinen likely would have been signed to an entry-level contract had Dubas remained GM, but under Brad Treliving, the Leafs are opting for more size than skill.

Although the Leafs' preferences have changed under Treliving, the need for skilled players remains and Miettinen certainly fits that bill having recorded 53 goals and 65 assists with St. Cloud over four seasons.

However, Miettinen's rights are set to expire on August 15th, giving the Leafs 10 days to sign the 22-year-old to an entry-level contract before he is eligible to sign with anyone. He was always a long-shot to make the NHL, but has certainly raised his potential with his performance at St. Cloud. While the Leafs and Miettinen have remained mute on the situation, the Leafs should do their best to convince him that there's an opportunity for him with the organization before he chooses to sign somewhere that has a more direct path to the NHL.

Source: St. Cloud State Athletics
Veeti Miettinen St. Cloud State Stats