Controversial Toronto Maple Leafs Draft Pick Suspended Six Games For Dirty Hit

This past NHL Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs took a chance on Matthew Hlacar of the Kitchener Rangers by drafting him in the seventh round.

Some say this was the worst pick of the draft, as Hlacar has no offensive ability, and with eight points on the Rangers last year, isn't likely to get much better on that front.

In four games this season, he has just one assist, and he is already stirring up some controversy. On Friday, October 10th, he delivered a huge hit on Jakub Winkelhofer of the Ste. Marie Greyhounds, which has led to supplemental discipline.

The consequences are not insignificant either, as Hlacar will now have to miss six games for his dirty hit, which could have delivered a serious injury.

Overall, this is a large punishment, but when you look at the hit he delivered, it becomes clear why the OHL felt like this needed to be punished significantly.

Furthermore, if a player has a history of doing things like this, then the punishment has to be elevated in order to send a strong message.

Hlacar still has a lot to learn, and there is no telling whether or not he is going to get the message after this latest suspension.

Having said that, the Maple Leafs are going to be keeping their eye on the 19-year-old, especially as they look to see if drafting him was a mistake.

Of course, he still has a lot of developing to do, and that could take years. Either way, the Maple Leafs took a risk, and it could take some time before it pays off.

If you are a Maple Leafs fan, you cannot help but be intrigued by a project draft pick like this kid.