The Toronto Maple Leafs have made an intriguing choice with their 73rd overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, selecting Zac Olsen. Olsen has been a standout for the Saskatoon Blades in the WHL over the past two seasons, showcasing his relentless work ethic and ability to contribute on the ice.
Olsen's Player Profile
Olsen is what you'd call a classic support player. He's got an engine that just doesn't quit, relentlessly forechecking and putting in the kind of effort that coaches dream of. While he might not dazzle you with flashy skills, Olsen has a knack for finding the back of the net when it counts, especially from those prime scoring areas.
He's not projected to be a top-line forward, but that's not the role he's built for. Instead, Olsen looks like the kind of player who can thrive in a middle or bottom-six role, bringing energy and reliability to his team.
Season Stats:
- 2023-24: Edge School U18 Prep, CSSHL U18 - 25 GP, 14 G, 15 A, 29 P
- 2024-25: Saskatoon Blades, WHL - 60 GP, 11 G, 12 A, 23 P
- 2025-26: Saskatoon Blades, WHL - 57 GP, 18 G, 16 A, 34 P
Analyzing the Pick
The Maple Leafs are making a savvy move by mixing up their draft strategy with Olsen. Although he's not a high-ceiling pick, his solid foundation and dependable play make him a valuable asset. The big question is whether his relentless motor and work ethic can propel him to the NHL level, but history has shown that players who hustle often find a way to succeed.
What’s Next for Olsen
Looking ahead, Olsen is set to take his talents to Colorado College in the NCAA next season. It's a crucial step for him to refine his offensive capabilities and continue his development. Wherever he goes, his hard-nosed style and commitment to forechecking will undoubtedly make him a favorite among coaches and teammates alike.
In Other News...
Maple Leafs Just Made A Maccelli Decision Fans Will Debate All Day
The Maple Leafs made one of their more notable roster calls of the summer by moving on from Matias Maccelli instead of keeping the winger on a qualifying offer. Toronto had a chance to maintain control, but the decision leaves Maccelli free to explore the market as the team continues sorting out its forward mix under Craig Berube.
At the same time, the Leafs did keep other pieces in the organization, issuing qualifying offers to Nick Robertson, Emil Andrae and Jacob Quillan while also locking in defenseman Troy Stecher on a two-year extension. Robertson remains under team control, and Stechers deal adds some stability on the blue line, but the Maccelli move is the one that will draw the most second-guessing from fans as the offseason unfolds. [Read more 🡒]
Maple Leafs Crease Gamble Could Spark An Even Bigger Move
Goaltending has a way of changing the rest of a roster, and the Maple Leafs could be staring at exactly that kind of ripple effect this summer. With a veteran netminder expected to hit free agency on July 1 after not re-signing with the Panthers, Toronto is said to be among the teams keeping tabs, a sign the club may be looking to upgrade a position that can reshape everything from the nightly lineup to the way the front office uses its assets.
The bigger question is what happens next if Toronto does make that kind of move. A new starter would not just stabilize the crease, it could also alter the value of Dennis Hildeby, whose name would suddenly look far more movable in the right deal, and that is where the trade chatter starts to get interesting for a team still trying to balance immediate help with long-term flexibility. [Read more 🡒]
Maple Leafs Draft Just Exposed A Front Office Obsession
John Chaykas fingerprints are all over this draft class, and not just in the names Toronto added. The Maple Leafs have made chemistry an obvious priority under his watch, from the coaching hire of Jim Hiller to the front-office addition of Mats Sundin, and that approach has carried right into the way the roster is being built from the ground up. The through line is familiar faces, shared experience and a comfort level that starts long before anyone steps onto NHL ice.
The draft only sharpened that picture. Toronto kept leaning into players who already know how to play together, especially a cluster with Team Canada World Juniors ties, while also making room for a different kind of piece in Yaroslav Fedoseyev. The message is hard to miss: this is not just about stacking skill, it is about building a team that already has some connective tissue, even if the front office is still leaving one more move or two to be sorted out. [Read more 🡒]