Kyle Dubas & Steve Yzerman Looking Like Draft Geniuses

Kyle Dubas, General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, has as many fans as he does critics. Leafs Nation is growing impatient with the team's minimal success. Conversely, Detroit Red Wings legend and current General Manager, Steve Yzerman, has the fan base energized and excited, despite their recent woes. The prospect selection and development of both teams is reflecting positive on both general managers.

Firstly, Nick Robertson was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, then proceeded to shine in his four games played during the playoffs. Additionally, Steve Yzerman drafted Moritz Seider 6th overall (expected to be 15th overall) in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and has produced highlight reel content in the SHL.

The World Junior Tournament has also reflected positively on both the Red Wings and Maple Leafs. Roni Hirvonen, drafted 59th overall by the Maple Leafs, scored the game winning goal for Team Finland against Team Sweden with just 23 seconds left in the game. He may not have had a significant presence before this, but he has demonstrated an ability to perform in clutch moments. Additionally, Dubas received harsh criticism after selecting Rodion Amirov 15th overall in the most recent draft, but those critics have been largely silenced. Amirov has been a dominant force for Team Russia and earned player of the game against Team Sweden.

Yzerman shocked the world when he selected Lucas Raymond 4th overall in the most recent draft, but his dominant play at the World Junior Tournament has made others feel more confident about the selection. Perhaps the largest payoff will be the six foot eight Swede, Elmer Soderblom. Drafted in the 6th round of the 2019 draft, Soderblom scored a number of between-the-legs goals and showed off his flashy moves. Analysts claim he performed like a 1st round draft pick at the tournament. 

Dubas and Yzerman are merely looking like draft geniuses at this time. Only time will tell how these prospects perform at the NHL level.