BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Auston Matthews will have to wait another 24 hours before learning whether the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to select him with the first pick in the NHL draft.
General manager Lou Lamoriello on Thursday said he’s going to keep everyone guessing — including the Arizona-born, 18-year-old Matthews — until it’s time for the Maple Leafs to announce the selection Friday night.
“I think we know who we’re going to pick,” Lamoriello said. “No dissension.”
What he declined to do was reveal who that player will be for a team preparing to add a significant piece in its bid to restore relevance to one of the NHL’s most recognized franchises.