The Leafs have selected 6’1, 180-pound center Carter Verhaeghe of the Niagara Ice Dogs with their 82nd overall pick. One of the younger members of the 2013 draft class (still 17 for another month and a half), the Ontario native recorded 44 points in 67 games this past season.
The McKeen’s Draft Guide (buy this book, btw) profile for Verhaeghe:
“Broke through with an 18-goal sophomore effort – and further boosted his stock winning gold with Team Canada at the U18 Worlds (7-0-4-4) .. his confidence grew exponentially since the beginning of the season – encouraged to explore his offensive instincts by Niagara coach and GM Marty Williamson .. the Waterdown, Ontario native was selected 38th overall in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection .. skilled and creative pivot with decent size and fast hands .. still working on developing a consistent compete level .. lacks urgency at times – and can be tentative about engaging in heavy board battles .. not strong enough yet – his upper body largely un-developed .. needs the luxury of open ice to create – and exploit solid puckhandling abilities and good offensive vision .. also packs a quick shooting release – and is proficient at face-offs .. bears down and wins a majority of draws .. skating holds him back however.. propels on a wide, bow-legged stance that provides average mobility and limited first-step quickness .. must work on his agility and making stronger, tighter turns .. operated outside the main spotlight – behind a strong top line that drew a bulk of the checking attention .. will assume center stage with the likes of Ryan Strome graduating – though his game is still not without questions.”
Related reading: Waterdown’s Verhaege gaining points at U18 Championship.
