With their fifth-round pick, the Toronto Maple Leafs have selected OHL left defender Fedor Gordeev.
Gordeev says he started crying when the Leafs took him. Extremely happy.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) June 24, 2017
Gordeev is a Toronto native of Russian descent, and his size stands out immediately, at a hulking 6’6”. While his point totals are not impressive and his puck skills are open to some question, Gordeev’s impressive physical gifts are undoubtedly appealing to the Leafs. Most ranking services had him either where he went or somewhat earlier, except Future Considerations, who ranked him quite low.
Leaf fans may find the pick reminiscent of last year’s fourth-round selection of Keaton Middleton, another towering, low-offence defenceman. Time will tell if Gordeev can develop his game beyond his wingspan.
Gordeev and his family came to Toronto from Russia when he was seven. Grew up cheering for the #Leafs. Says Nikita Zaitsev is his favourite.
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) June 24, 2017
#leafs fifth round pick D Fedor Gordeev "started crying when I heard my name called." pic.twitter.com/jkhvu5MSOm
— Mike Zeisberger (@Zeisberger) June 24, 2017
Fedor Gordeev in action. pic.twitter.com/tM4O9DT64J
— Pension Plan Puppets (@PPPLeafs) June 24, 2017
Fedor Gordeev via Elite Prospects
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | TP | PIM | Playoffs | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-2014 | Vaughan Kings Bantam AAA | GTBHL | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||
| 2014-2015 | Toronto Red Wings Min Midget AAA | GTMMHL | 56 | 9 | 16 | 25 | - | ||||||
| Milton Icehawks | OJHL | 9 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | |||||||
| Team GTHL Red | OGC-16 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 10 | |||||||
| 2015-2016 | Team Blue | U17-Dev | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||||||
| Ancaster Avalanche | GOJHL | 44 | 6 | 20 | 26 | 36 | Playoffs | 10 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 | |
| Hamilton Bulldogs | OHL | 8 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | |||||||
| 2016-2017 | Hamilton Bulldogs | OHL | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | ||||||
| Flint Firebirds | OHL | 62 | 3 | 10 | 13 | 43 | Playoffs | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
What do you think? Is there more to Gordeev than size? Or is he Maatinen 2.0?