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New Jersey Devils: 5 Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect To Target

By Nick Villano

Timothy Liljegren #37 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL pre-season game at Scotiabank Arena on September 21, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Sabres 5-3. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
Timothy Liljegren #37 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL pre-season game at Scotiabank Arena on September 21, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Sabres 5-3. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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New Jersey Devils
Veeti Miettinen #29 of the St. Cloud State Huskies (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images) /

Veeti Miettinen

On paper, going after a former 6th-round pick after talking about former 1st-round picks in the previous three seems like a massive drop-off. Veeti Miettinen has a lot of really good traits, and he has an awesome shot. This is a player with upside for days who made the strange decision to go to St. Cloud State over going to a European professional program. That might have something to do with him dropping in the draft.

However, now Miettinen has led St. Cloud State to the Frozen Four. If he can actually help them win the tournament from an underdog position, it could propel him forward even more. He’s leading the team in scoring, and he hasn’t slowed down in the postseason.

Miettinen’s release and power behind his shot have really shown progress in the NCAA season. He’s probably going to spend three full seasons in college, and he could see the competition level take a step forward next year since it won’t be played in the middle of a pandemic. He has work to do before he’s ready for the NHL, but the Devils would be smart to try and get him as a “final piece” to a trade. The Leafs are going to be spending, and they will compare Palmieri and Hall trades.

Obviously, the Leafs are looking to make a major move, and they won’t let a former 6th-round pick stand in their way if Palmieri really is the number-one player on their list.

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