Matthews, 18, was the top pick in June after playing professionally for Zurich SC in Switzerland last season. The Scottsdale, Ariz., native is a solid package of speed and skill, at his best when the game is on the line. He looked very much at ease playing for the United States at the 2016 IIHF World Championship.
"He is the real deal," said Marc Crawford, who coached Matthews (6-foot-2, 216 pounds) in Switzerland. "He reminds me a lot of (Los Angeles Kings forward) Anze Kopitar with how he carries his speed and drives to the net and the overall game that he has. He has an NHL shot and the quickness and agility in the offensive zone of a Johnny Gaudreau (Calgary Flames forward)."
Projected NHL arrival: This season
2. William Nylander, C
How acquired: Selected with No. 8 pick of 2014 NHL Draft
Last season: Maple Leafs: 22 GP, 6-7-13; Toronto (AHL): 38 GP, 18-27-45
A gifted offensive force, Nylander, 20, looked right at home during a 22-game audition with the Maple Leafs last season. Strong on his feet and hard to knock off the puck, Nylander (5-foot-11, 190) has an NHL shot, featuring a quick release. He put up good numbers in the AHL, with 77 points (32 goals, 45 assists) in 75 games over two seasons, but his performance slipped in the playoffs.
Projected NHL arrival: This season
3. Mitchell Marner, C
How acquired: Selected with No. 4 pick of 2015 NHL Draft
Last season:London (OHL): 57 GP, 39-77-116
Marner, 19, was the most decorated player in junior hockey last season, leading London of the Ontario Hockey League to the Memorial Cup title. He had 44 points (16 goals, 28 assists) in 18 playoff games with the Knights and two goals and 12 assists in four Memorial Cup games.
After three seasons of junior, Marner (5-foot-11, 160) likely has learned as much as he can at that level and is likely to at least start the season with the Maple Leafs, who hope he is able to report to camp in the neighborhood of 170 pounds. Despite being slight, Marner's game has an edge to it.
Projected NHL arrival: This season
