With the 217th selection in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs have selected left winger Matthew Hlacar.
Matthew Hlacar player profile
Hlacar is a big, 6’3″ winger who just finished his first season in the OHL.
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–24 | St. Catherines Falcons | GOJHL | 48 | 16 | 22 | 38 |
| 2024–25 | Kitchener Rangers | OHL | 43 | 7 | 1 | 8 |
An overage pick, Hlacar is a bit of a late bloomer. His size will give him credit in a Brad Treliving-led system, but obviously, as a seventh-round pick with just eight points in 43 OHL games, he’ll need to improve quite a bit to sniff the NHL.
Analyzing the pick
This pick also establishes a new pattern for the Leafs: drafting Ontario-born players.
We’ve seen the contract negotiations, and we’ve seen the lack of passion from the team. Finding guys who bleed blue and white will definitely help the team culture.
As the 217th pick, Hlacar has a long way to go. But why not take a shot on a 6’3″ Ontarian if you’re Treliving?
What’s next for Hlacar
Hlacar will return to the OHL next year, and he’ll need to put up big numbers to establish himself as a real prospect.
What do you think of the pick? Let us know.
