American likely to be top draft pick

Associated Press

buffalo, n.y.

Hiring coach Mike Babcock and general manager Lou Lamoriello last offseason was the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first major step in their high-priced bid to restore relevance to one the NHL’s most recognized franchises.

The next significant piece in the Maple Leafs’ rebuilding plan will be added tonight, when Toronto has the first pick in the NHL draft. Though Lamoriello has been careful not to tip his hand, the consensus is the Maple Leafs will usher in the 100th year of pro hockey being played in Toronto by pinning their future on Arizona-born center, Auston Matthews.

The 18-year-old Matthews, who played pro hockey in Switzerland last season, is ranked first by NHL Central Scouting. Matthews has the chance to be the seventh U.S.-born player selected No. 1, and first since Patrick Kane by Chicago in 2007.

The next two rated players are Finnish-born forwards Patrik Laine and Jesse Puljujarvi.

The Maple Leafs have plenty riding on their selection.

They’re in the midst of a top-to-bottom overhaul after finishing with the NHL’s worst record and missing the playoffs for the 10th time in 11 years.

“I don’t know if it changes the timetable, but it certainly helps with the plan,” Maple Leafs President Brendan Shanahan said after Toronto won the draft lottery in April. “I think that we will feel satisfaction and validation if and when we get to the point where we’re truly a Stanley Cup-contending team.”

Matthews is aware of the speculation of being Toronto-bound.

“Of course the possibility kind of runs through your head,” said Matthews, who had 24 goals and 46 points in 36 games for Zurich, and then led the United States with six goals in 10 games at the world championships in Russia last month. “I’m trying to take it day by day and enjoy this whole experience. I don’t know. We’ll see what happens come Friday.”

There’s more uncertainty regarding what teams will follow Toronto and Winnipeg.