Years ago I wrote about age bias in drafting, and I've discovered since that short of how escrow works, it's the most misunderstood issue in the NHL. Yes, even more than what goalie interference is.

Toronto has liked to dip into the re-entry prospect pool at the draft in recent years, and that can be pretty wise for defensemen who are trickier to judge earlier in their development. So here are the top options I've seen.

It's all rumours and innuendo right now.

Not a lost Robert Ludlum novel.

Looking at the top re-entry prospect options at forward for the upcoming draft, who I think could be interesting as choices for Toronto.

Top that, Brad.

Is John Tavares the consolation prize or actually the best possible option?

Last year, Toronto drafted three defensemen in the fourth round or later. Brad Treliving seems to like taking swings on certain kinds of defensemen, so I looked at some options that I think could make sense for the Leafs that I also like.

One medium-sized trade and an AHL champion.

What happened to Bobby McMann this year?

There are several forward prospects not ranked very highly, or at all, by almost any scouting outlet who I think would make for great swings in the later rounds.

Maybe Brad will do a thing. Maybe not.

Goalies are voodoo, so let's look at some of the top names and more interesting goalie prospects who will be available in this year's draft.

Agafonov is one of the top defensemen out of Russia this year, with very strong defense and physicality but question marks about how good his offense can be.

Just not a stupid thing.

Annborn is one of the more interesting Swedish defense prospects in this draft, with a more complete all-around game than others I've been profiling but some question marks on how much projection he has in improving his skills.

One week to the draft, the trades should heat up.

Rattus Maximum Victoriam

Limatov is a big, mobile defenseman out of Russia who has a lot of skill as a puck mover but is more of a long-term project to fully realize his potential.

Time to go shopping.

Barnhill might be my favourite prospect in this year's draft who fits Toronto's type of big, physical defensive defenseman since he can also skate well and has intriguing puck moving potential.

Back-to-back Cup wins. Now, let the offseason begin, please.

"It is in the building."

Engle is an interesting mix of size, skating, and two-way potential that hasn't been realized to a high level yet, who feels like a great third-round swing to me.

It could be.