NHL Scouting Combine Part II: Mark Leach, Toronto Maple Leafs amateur scouting director

NHL Scouting Combine Part II: Mark Leach, Toronto Maple Leafs amateur scouting director

Author: National Hockey League June 4, 2026 Duration: 18:21
The Toronto Maple Leafs have the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, and one of the people responsible for making that selection, Maple Leafs amateur scouting director Mark Leach, joined NHL Draft Class live at the NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo. Leach discussed how big an impact it is having the No. 1 pick, how close the Maple Leafs will be to making a decision following their interviews at the combine, how his relationship with new Toronto general manager John Chayka is growing and more.

Ever wonder about the journey from a promising teenager to a name called at the podium? NHL Draft Class, presented by the National Hockey League, pulls back the curtain on that exact process. This isn't just a rundown of rankings; it's a series of conversations that get into the grit and character of the next generation of hockey stars. You'll hear directly from the prospects themselves-their training routines, personal motivations, and the nerves of draft day. The audio goes beyond the stats with analysis from scouts and league insiders who break down what makes each player unique, from a defenseman's hockey IQ to a forward's release. Tuning into this podcast feels like getting a backstage pass to the most pivotal moment in a young athlete's career. It captures the anticipation, the strategy from team war rooms, and the raw emotion of dreams becoming reality. For anyone fascinated by the future of the sport and the human stories behind the jerseys, this series offers a compelling, insider's perspective on how a draft class is built.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

NHL Draft Class
Podcast Episodes
Dan Marr, Director of NHL Central Scouting; Final Rankings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:47
NHL Central Scouting released its final rankings of the top North American and International skaters and goalies, and Central Scouting director Dan Marr joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to discuss the ra…
Dan Marr, Director of NHL Central Scouting; Midterm Rankings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:29
NHL Central Scouting released its midseason rankings and the man in charge, Central Scouting director Dan Marr, joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to discuss all the details, from Gavin McKenna at No. 1, t…
Steven Ellis, DailyFaceoff.com; World Junior Championship preview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:24
The 2026 World Junior Championship is a holiday season staple, and the focus of the hockey world. NHL Draft Class previews the tournament and some of the top 2026 NHL Draft talent that will be playing in it with Steven E…
Dan Marr, NHL Central Scouting; Preliminary players to watch list [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:19
NHL Draft Class returns for season No. 8, with NHL Central Scouting director Dan Marr joining co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to cover Central Scouting's preliminary players to watch list. Marr discusses Penn…
Sam Cosentino, Sportsnet; 2025 draft wrap-up, 2026 draft look-ahead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:42
It's time to put a wrap on the 2025 NHL Draft, with Sam Cosentino of NHL Network and Sportsnet joining co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to discuss which teams stood out, surprise selections and much more. They…
Pat Cullen, NHL Central Scouting; Top USHL & high school prospects [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:10
Pat Cullen of NHL Central Scouting joins co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale to discuss some of the top prospects from the United States Hockey League and U.S. high schools for the 2025 NHL Draft. Pat shares his…