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 has had him at 180.  So he was drafted where you’d expect.

Ryan O'Connell stats via EP

 SeasonTeamLeagueGPGATPPIM    PlayoffsGPGATPPIM 
 2012-2013Ottawa Jr. 67s Minor Bantam AAAOEMBHL2239126|Playoffs91342 
 2013-2014Ottawa Jr. 67s Bantam AAAOEBHL29322256|Playoffs80330 
Ottawa Jr. 67s Minor Midget AAAOEMMHL20110|
Ottawa Jr. 67s Bantam AAABig Nickel Bantam60446|
 2014-2015Ottawa Jr. 67s Minor Midget AAAOEMMHL21216188|Playoffs102680 
Ottawa Jr. 67s Minor Midget AAAOHL Cup50330|
Team HEOOGC-1651234|
 2015-2016St. Andrew's CollegeCISAA141784|Playoffs40330 
St. Andrew's CollegeCAHS554273114|
 2016-2017St. Andrew's CollegeCISAA70444|Playoffs51452 
St. Andrew's CollegeCAHS476273318|
 2017-2018Penticton VeesBCHL-----|
 2018-2019Boston Univ.NCAA-----|
Player statistics powered by www.eliteprospects.com

Do you figure you’ll ever see this guy in the NHL?

No, come on.236
Maybe, every prospect has a chance.365
Yes, because the Leafs draft better.78
NHL Draft