Maple Leafs Currently Facing the Very Real Risk of Losing Two Young Prospects

Under former GM Kyle Dubas, the Leafs typically drafted smaller, skilled players, hoping they would turn into serviceable NHLers in the years to come.

Unfortunately, most of those picks have floundered, including Ty Voit who had his contract terminated a couple of weeks ago.

Under Brad Treliving and Craig Berube, the Leafs have significantly shifted their preference to bigger players that may not possess as much skill, but have a better chance at being serviceable NHLers.

As Treliving continues to move on from the previous regime's prospects, he will have to make a decision on a pair of 2020 draft picks over the next couple of weeks.

John Fusco and Wyatt Schingoethe were selected 189th and 195th overall in the seventh round of the 2020 draft, but but will become free agents on August 15th if they do not sign with the Leafs.

Fusco, 24, has played the past three seasons at Dartmouth College in the NCAA where the 5'10 defenseman tallied 21 points in 32 games last season.

Schingoethe is two years younger than Fusco and has spent the past four seasons at Western Michigan University. Another pick by the Dubas regime that was smaller in stature at just 5'10, the center contributed just 11 points in 31 games last season.

Although the Leafs are still on the thin side regarding their prospect pool, it seems unlikely at this point either seventh-round pick will be joining the Leafs before their rights expire.

With a handful of other NCAA players also becoming free agents August 15th it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Leafs perhaps pivot and sign some of the larger-bodied UFA's that might become available out of the NCAA.