Toronto Maple Leafs Make Their Selection with the 86th Pick in the NHL Entry Draft

Twenty-two picks after selecting center Tinus-Luc Koblar with the 64th overall pick, the Toronto Maple Leafs have doubled back for yet another center.

This time, they have gone after 18-year-old Tyler Hopkins of the Kingston Frontenacs, who has been developing at a rapid pace as of late.

In his rookie season with the Frontenacs, Hopkins managed six goals, seven assists, and 13 points in 59 games.

However, in his sophomore season, he had an incredible glow-up. In 67 games, the center had 20 goals and 31 assists for a solid 51 points.

He still has two more seasons to go in the CHL, and it seems as though his point production will only get better from here on out. The Leafs are investing early, and this could end up working out for them in the long run.

This is Mark Leach's first NHL Draft as the Maple Leafs' Director of Amateur Scouting. It has been a time for experimentation, but the selection of two centers back to back shows the Leafs want to improve at that position.

Of course, neither of their picks is NHL-ready. Not even close. However, they could be great bottom-six options in four to five years from now.

Unless you are drafting in the first round, you're not expecting to take guys that are ready to play on Day One. You have to develop these players over the years.

Hopefully, the Leafs can stay the course with these picks, and get some gems.