While there’s no disputing the shortcomings on the Toronto Maple Leafs roster, they have the right idea — insulate the stars with a plethora of cost-effective skill.

To achieve that, they’ve looked to free agency, with Jason Spezza becoming an important piece of team on a $700,000 cap hit. Undrafted free agents are a focal point, too – look no further than Ilya Mikheyev or even Mikko Lehtonen, who’s set to become a big piece.

The draft is where the Leafs will extract the most value out of that idea though. They’ve already turned a late-first and second into Rasmus Sandin, one of the best under-21 defencemen in the NHL, and Nick Robertson, who had an NHL goal last season – in addition to the 55 in 46 OHL games.

The Leafs preference for skill at the draft table allows them to punch above the