Leafs go to Russia to take skilled winger Amirov with first-round pick in NHL draft - Toronto Sun

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Had Dubas been picking based on what the Leafs required now, he probably would have chosen one of defencemen Kaiden Guhle or Braden Schneider. Guhle was taken with the following pick by the Montreal Canadiens; Schneider went 19th to the New York Rangers.

Another player to watch develop is centre Seth Jarvis, selected 13th by the Carolina Hurricanes. We’re told there was Leafs interest in Jarvis, and the Carolina pick was the one the ’Canes got from Toronto in the Patrick Marleau trade last year.

There is no telling now how Amirov will turn out for the Leafs. Among the players taken 15th overall since 2000 were Erik Karlsson, Alex Radulov and Dylan Larkin. Also chosen 15th in that span: Artem Kryukov, Alex Plante and Jesse Niinimaki.

Dubas was not able to see Amirov play live in Russia last season and credited the club’s European scouting staff for making in-roads. Amirov’s agent is Dan Milstein, who also counts Ilya Mikheyev, among other Leafs, as a client.

Dubas and Amirov met recently.

“The thing I liked about him the most was just what he views as his ability to make an impact and where in the lineup,” Dubas said.

“We know he has the mental dexterity to deal with it when things aren’t going well, despite the fact he has been a high-end player.”

The Leafs will have 10 picks on Wednesday in Rounds 2-7: Nos. 44, 106, 122, 153, 168, 177, 180, 189, 195 and 212.

Dubas, meanwhile, confirmed the club will not be qualifying forward Evan Rodrigues.

tkoshan@postmedia.com

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2020-10-07 02:08:15Z
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