Two Draft Prospects Capture Toronto Maple Leafs’ Interest at 2024 NHL Combine: Report
The 2024 NHL Scouting Combine was held last Friday at Buffalo’s KeyBank Center and LECOM HarborCenter, offering NHL teams the opportunity to interview and evaluate top draft prospects. Among those who impressed the Toronto Maple Leafs were Andrew Basha and Lucas Pettersson.
Hockey writer Peter Baracchini noted on X:
“‘Andrew Basha and Lucas Pettersson both met with the #LeafsForever at the #NHLCombine for the #2024NHLDraft.'”
Andrew Basha, a center for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL, is ranked 26th by NHL Central Scouting heading into the draft. From Calgary, Basha stands 6 feet tall, weighs 185 pounds, and is a left-handed shooter. His playmaking prowess and passing abilities have caught the attention of the Maple Leafs.
Over his three-year junior career, Basha has tallied 55 goals and 100 assists, showcasing his offensive skills. His potential was evident even during his U15 AAA days with the Calgary Royals, where he recorded 24 goals and 33 assists in just 33 games.
Swedish forward Lucas Pettersson also drew interest from the Maple Leafs at the combine. At 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds, Pettersson is known for his speed and scoring ability, attributes that could enhance Toronto’s young talent pool.
Last season, Pettersson excelled with MoDo Hockey J20 in the J20 Nationell league, scoring 27 goals in 44 games. He also had a brief stint with MoDo’s SHL team but did not record any points. Internationally, Pettersson impressed with Sweden’s U18 team, collecting 22 points in 18 games. NHL Central Scouting has ranked him 10th overall.
