Leafs draft Canadian defenceman Matt Finn with 35th pick in NHL Draft
Posted June 23, 2012 11:02 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, Ont. – After selecting a Canadian defenceman with their fifth overall selection in the 2012 NHL draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs continued to bolster the blueline by adding another defenceman at 35.
The Leafs selected defenceman Matt Finn, originally from Etobicoke, with their 35th overall pick, despite projections that they would select a forward or goalie.
Finn, who played his junior hockey for the Guelph Storm, is a 6’0 defenceman weighing approximately 185 lbs.
His size and playing background are similar to that of Morgan Rielly, the Leaf’s fifth overall pick in 2012.
Scouts peg Finn as a solid player with a good hockey IQ, although they say he lacks elite level athleticism and strength.
He makes up for this with a good positional game, solid speed and strong two-way skills.
Scouts write that Finn passes the puck well and is very patient and situationally aware.
A late riser, Finn was pegged by most experts as a mid-late first rounder.
