With their fifth-round pick, the Toronto Maple Leafs have selected OHL left defender Fedor Gordeev.
Gordeev is a Toronto native of Russian descent, and his size stands out immediately, at a hulking 6’6”. While his point totals are not impressive and his puck skills are open to some question, Gordeev’s impressive physical gifts are undoubtedly appealing to the Leafs. Most ranking services had him either where he went or somewhat earlier, except Future Considerations, who ranked him quite low.
Leaf fans may find the pick reminiscent of last year’s fourth-round selection of Keaton Middleton, another towering, low-offence defenceman.