Ryan O'Connell was selected with the last pick of the 2017 draft

The Toronto Maple Leafs selected Ryan O’Connell with their last pick of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. He is a defender who shoots left, and he’s a college boy who plays for Boston University. He is from Gloucester, Ontario, however, and played for St. Andrew’s College.

This is a smart way to go for the last round. O’Connell has got four years to play in the NCAA at a good school before anyone has to make a decision about his future.

Unlike the other defenders taken after the first round pick, Timothy Liljegren, O’Connell is not a giant. He’s going to need something more than reach to get the job done.

He was ranked 208 by NHL Central Scouting for North American skaters, and Future Considerations…