NHL Draft 2015: A Look at the Toronto Maple Leafs' Second Pick

It's difficult to be excited about the Toronto Maple Leafs' immediate future given the number of issues with the present NHL roster. Yet with two first-round picks in the 2015 NHL draft, good selections should yield benefits in two or three seasons. The future should be brighter by early July, following the draft.

The Leafs will get a blue-chip prospect with the No. 4 pick, if they retain it. This particular draft has a lot of excellent prospects. The Leafs also hold the No. 24 selection, and given the draft's depth, there is reason to be optimistic that the club will get a good, if not exceptional, NHLer.

Some excellent skaters have been selected in similar spots. Players such as the Edmonton Oilers' Jordan Eberle at No. 22, Claude Giroux of the Philadelphia Flyers also at No. 22 and Peterborough, Ontario, native Corey Perry, who was a No. 28 selection of the Anaheim Ducks. 

Let's take a look at some players who might be available at the No. 24 position when the Maple Leafs announce their pick in late June.

Joel Eriksson Ek, Centre, Farjestad

The Leafs have William Nylander perched atop their prospects heap. Adding Joel Eriksson Ek—a Swedish centre with size, very good hockey sense and some slick hands—could give the team another top European prospect.

This is not a young man who would join the Leafs next season, but at 6'2" and 185 pounds, he should continue to mature physically. The Leafs need to continue to add centres and defencemen into their system. This Karlstad, Sweden, native fits that bill.

He had six points in five games for Team Sweden at the U18 Worlds. He's a standout player when playing with, and against, his peers.

He's a very strong skater who already exhibits good defensive awareness. He has a great shot and thinks the game beyond his years. He doesn't project as a No. 1 NHL pivot, but he could be a middle-six centre by his early 20s.

Jansen Harkins, Centre, Prince George Cougars

Jansen Harkins is one of the younger draft-eligible players, as he's still just 17 years old. He'll turn 18 in late May. This is important because Harkins may not be quite as advanced as some other prospects, but he has trended upward in his WHL career. Quite simply, he's really started to figure some things out.

Harkins has gone from zero points in 2012-13 in three games, to 34 points in 67 games in 2013-14, to earning 79 points in 70 games this season. This is a great indicator of Harkins' progress.

Harkins is a playmaker first. He is a pinpoint passer who will flourish if you place him with a quick, deft sniper. He had 20 goals this season to go with 59 assists.

He is adaptable and can play both on the wing and in the middle. At 6'2" and just under 200 pounds, he should be fine to withstand the physical grind at the pro level. He would be a good addition to the Leafs' growing stable of prospects.

Jake DeBrusk, Left Wing, Swift Current Broncos

Jake DeBrusk scores goals like few other draft-eligible players. He made a huge jump from 15 goals to 42 in the 2014-15 season. That's wonderful development, and by adding 39 assists, he has demonstrated strong offensive instincts.

DeBrusk is another player with great hockey sense. It's clear that he's been around the game from a young age, given that his dad, Louie DeBrusk, was an NHL skater. Jake DeBrusk is at his best down low and working from the corners in the offensive zone.

The scoring winger needs to continue to grow physically if he wants to play this style of game at the next level. He needs a few more years of seasoning, but expect DeBrusk to be a top-nine forward, at least, in the NHL.

Travis Konecny, Centre, Ottawa 67's

It is unlikely that forward Travis Konecny will be available at No. 24, but his stock has fallen over the past year or so. He was injured by a blindside hit, and he hasn't put up the big offensive numbers of some of his peers.

But Konecny would be a steal at the No. 24 spot. He's a brilliant skater who can change a game with his puck skill. His acceleration and agility are superb. He's improved defensively, and this is something that can be developed further as he ages.

Konecny is a dynamic offensive player who had 70 points this season after earning 68 points last year. He has a very good shot, and his vision is excellent. He's a team-first skater who makes his linemates better. This places him in a special category, as not all top players have this ability.

Konecny is not NHL ready, but that shouldn't dissuade the Leafs from drafting him. He could be a top-six centre in the NHL, and those kinds of players are not easy to find.

All stats can be found on hockeyDB.com.