Maple Leafs’ Second-Round Draft Success: What to Expect with the 60th Pick in 2026

The anticipation surrounding the 2026 NHL Draft is palpable, particularly for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who hold the coveted first overall pick. As they prepare to select a promising young talent on Friday, the focus will also shift to their second-round pick, the 60th overall, which presents a critical opportunity to enhance their roster.

Historically, the Maple Leafs have demonstrated a knack for uncovering gems in the second round, particularly in the 50 to 65 range. This trend bodes well as they eye several enticing prospects available with their upcoming selection.

Among their recent second-round successes is Tinus Luc Koblar, drafted 64th overall in 2025. Although he has yet to make his mark in the NHL, Koblar showcased his potential on the international stage at the 2026 IIHF World Championship. The 18-year-old center led Norway in scoring, netting six goals and contributing to nine points in ten games, helping his team secure its first-ever bronze medal. Koblar recently signed his entry-level contract with the Maple Leafs, adding to the excitement surrounding his future.

Another notable second-round pick is Fraser Minten, selected by the Maple Leafs in 2022. Minten has quickly established himself in the NHL, playing 107 regular-season games and six playoff matches. Last season, he completed a full campaign with the Boston Bruins, appearing in all 82 games while tallying 17 goals and 35 points.

Matthew Knies stands out as perhaps the best draft pick the Maple Leafs have made in recent years. Now 23 and with three full seasons under his belt, Knies has emerged as a star in Toronto. He recorded his second consecutive 20-goal season last year, achieving personal bests with 23 goals and 43 assists for a total of 66 points. His impressive performance earned him a six-year contract extension worth $7.75 million per season, solidifying his status as one of the team’s most valuable assets.

Nick Robertson, at 24, has also developed into a reliable NHL player, coming off a career-high season with 16 goals and 16 assists for 32 points in 78 games. While he has faced challenges in securing top-six minutes, Robertson’s potential as a consistent 20-goal scorer remains evident, whether in Toronto or elsewhere.

Sean Durzi, though never having played for the Maple Leafs, is another name of interest. Acquired in the trade for Jake Muzzin in January 2019, Durzi has proven himself as a solid NHL defenseman since debuting in the 2021-22 season. He enjoyed a standout campaign in 2023-24 with the Arizona Coyotes, accumulating 41 points and averaging 22:43 of ice time across 76 games. Over his career, he has played in 302 regular-season games, showcasing his capabilities on the blue line.

Other notable second-round selections by the Maple Leafs include Carl Grundstrom, Travis Dermott, Jimmy Hayes, Nikolay Kulemin, and Matt Stajan. As the draft approaches, the organization’s history of successful second-round picks offers a promising outlook for who they may choose with the 60th overall selection.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.