Top prospects impress Maple Leafs’ Lamoriello

BUFFALO — Overseeing his first NHL Draft as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Lou Lamoriello will leave no stone unturned.

The fact Lamoriello is sitting in on more than 85 interviews with 2016 NHL Draft-eligible prospects at the NHL Scouting Combine this week at First Niagara Center is proof of that. Since becoming the 16th general manager of the Maple Leafs on July 23, 2015, after 28 seasons with the New Jersey Devils, Lamoriello has made a point to help play a key role in every major business decision.

One that will have a huge impact on the organization for years to come takes place June 24, with the Maple Leafs holding the No. 1 pick in the draft. Zurich center Auston Matthews, Tappara right wing Patrik Laine and Karpat right wing Jesse Puljujarvi, expected to be the top three players selected, each made a good impression on Lamoriello during the interview portion of the combine.

“I certainly haven’t watched all these players play, but I am going to have an opportunity to see them as people, see their personalities and tie that to what are scouting reports are,” Lamoriello said. “But the decisions will come from our scouting staff, just like they did when I was in New Jersey.”

Lamoriello said Maple Leafs director of player personnel Mark Hunter will make the important decisions at the draft.

“Everyone has input, but it comes down to your head scout and the staff who sees the players,” Lamoriello said. “The whole …

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