What are the Toronto Maple Leafs getting in their 2021 NHL Draft picks Matthew Knies, Ty Voit and Vyacheslav Peksa? - The Athletic
Pick No. 2: Ty Voit
Drafted: Fifth round, No. 153 | Position: C/LW
Age: 18 | Height: 5-foot-10 | Weight: 161 pounds
2019-20 Stats: 49 GP, 8 G, 20 A, 28 pts (Sarnia Sting, OHL)
The Skinny: Voit is in the unique position of not having played this season with the OHL season being cancelled, making this a bit of a swing for the Leafs. Lilley admitted it was difficult to get a read on where the smallish winger was going to be picked.
Nevertheless, the pass-first Voit showcases a lot of the tools other Leafs picks have had over the past few years, which is why the Leafs indeed took that swing.
“He’s a skilled kid, a good skater, he can make plays,” said Lilley, also referencing his strong compete level.
Voit said he models his game after Calgary Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau.
“A lot of our features are the same,” said Voit. “My coaches have shown me a lot of video, and I’ve always done my own research.”
Like Gaudreau, there will inevitably be questions about Voit’s smallish frame.
“For the past two years I’ve mainly focused on being in the gym, so I think I’ve definitely diminished a lot of those questions coming into this year,” said Voit.
As an OHL rookie, he showed a flashy playmaking ability and wasn’t afraid to get creative with the puck in the offensive zone. He can manipulate the opposition with the puck on his stick.
“He has electric skill,” said Sting general manager Dylan Seca. “He is the type of player that can see things before they happen. He loves to have the puck on his stick. He’s calm, has a great brain, good vision and he’s silky smooth in tight. A lot of guys will force pucks, but he won’t.”
There doesn’t appear to be a lot of concern from the Leafs about Voit missing the season. He comes from a family that Seca describes as “fitness-driven,” with his father working as a pilot and his brother training to become a Navy seal. Push-up and sit-up contests are the norm in the Voit household.
And in that regard, what stuck out to Lilley when he saw him at the PBHH Invitational prospect showcase tournament in June, was the added size and strength he’d put on in his year away from hockey.
“Without having played for a year I was pleased with just how he looked,” said Lilley. “I just think he’s going to be a good offensive player in time. Sarnia has a good program and I expect him to have a very good, productive offensive season coming up.”
