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What if Maple Leafs drafted Laine instead of Matthews?

Fansided | July 22, 2025

Related Topics: Auston Matthews, Patrik Laine, Toronto Maple Leafs

In a parallel universe, the Toronto Maple Leafs would have selected Patrik Laine over Auston Matthews with the first pick in the 2016 NHL Draft.

The Maple Leafs could have picked Patrik Laine over Auston Matthews in 2016, given how highly touted Laine was at the time. | Patrick Smith/GettyImages

In 2016, the Toronto Maple Leafs had landed the first overall pick after the Great Tanking. The first phase of the Shanaplan went as intended, giving the Toronto Maple Leafs an opportunity to draft a franchise player.

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