Maple Leafs’ Måns Gudmundsson models his game after Red Wings’ Moritz Seider

Gudmundsson was taken with the No. 76 overall pick by the Maple Leafs. He is a 6-foot-3 defenceman with terrific puck skills, and he could eventually graduate into a possible option on the second-unit power play. Gudmundsson spoke to TSN’s Mark Masters after the draft, about his game, his draft experience, and what lies ahead.

“I like Moritz Seider on Detroit, how he plays with the puck, and his defence. Hard player, and tough to play against.”

Seider has graduated into one of the NHL’s best defencemen, a model of stability, two-way excellence, and durability, never missing a game during each of his five seasons with the Red Wings. Gudmundsson was also asked to describe his own game.

“I’d say I’m a two-way defender. I like to have the puck. I play hard and physical and shut down players.”

It’s been a whirlwind for Gudmundsson, who received a congratulatory call from senior executive advisor to hockey operations, Mats Sundin.

“A big player in my eyes. One of the best Swedish players in the world. I can’t say enough about him,” Gudmundsson said.

This may quietly become one of Toronto’s sneakier and top selections. Mans Gudmundsson possesses strong mobility for his size (6-foot-3) and still has significant room to develop physically. His skating allows him to defend with strong gaps, while his puck-moving ability is one of the best among this tier of players. Many scouts viewed him as a player who could have come off the board earlier, making this one of the better value picks of the third round.