CHICAGO—Maple Leafs assistant general manager Mark Hunter ran his third draft and if there was a theme, it was “a big, strong guy.” The Leafs took two six-foot-six defenceman on Saturday — and nobody under six-feet tall — on the second and final day of the 2017 NHL draft. Counting Timothy Liljegren, chosen in Friday’s first round, the Leafs took four defencemen with their seven picks.“We took who we thought was the best player at the moment. It seemed like there was more defence in the draft this year,” Hunter said. “We filled some holes. Now it’s time for our development department to take over and help make these young men better.”Here’s how Saturday’s picks size up and what Hunter likes about them.Eemeli RasanenDefencemanSecond round, 59th overallHometown: Joensuu, FinlandVitals: 6-foot-6, 214 poundsShoots: RightJunior: Kingston (OHL)Stats: GP 66 | G 6 | A 33The skinny: Tries to model his game after Rasmus Ristolainen ... Has represented Finland in Under-18s, and Under-17s. Offensively minded, and uses his impressive size well and is tough in the corners.Hunter says: “A big, strong guy. He needs to develop his body. He’s a little inconsistent because his legs don’t carry his body. He’s got a great shot. Huge upside on his skill level.”Ian ScottGoaltenderFourth round, 110th overallHometown: CalgaryVitals: 6-foot-3, 169 poundsJunior: Prince Albert (WHL)Stats: 12-31-0 | GAA 3.24 | Save % .892The skinny: Models himself after Carey Price. ... Represented Canada at the world under-18s, and won gold for Canada White at the world under-17s.Hunter says: “Played on not a great team, so his stats aren’t as good as it should be. His technique, and his size and his quickness side-to-side is very good.”Vladislav KaraLeft wingerFourth round, 124th overallHometown: Salekhard, RussiaVitals: 6-foot-1, 187 poundsShoots: LeftJunior: I ...
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