Nathan Mayes was selected 225th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs – Analysis & Scouting Report

With the final pick in the 2024 NHL Draft (225th overall), the Maple Leafs selected 6-foot-3 right-shooting defenseman Nathan Mayes from the Spokane Chiefs.

The defensive theme continues for the Leafs’ 2024 draft, this time with a second right guard (meaning they opened and closed their ’24 draft class with RD picks).

In total, the Leafs selected four defencemen, one goalie, two left wingers (one of whom is a right shooter) and one right-shooting centre from their eight 2024 draft picks.

Scouting Report Nathan Mayes

courtesy of the Blackbook 2024 (BUY NOW)

Mayes, a former third-round pick in the WHL bantam draft, played his first season in the WHL this year. He was a nice surprise for the Chiefs, playing in the top four for most of the season with solid penalty-killing minutes.

Mayes is generally steady. When defending the rush he picks up inside dots to keep the puck carrier in the defensive zone, he shows good awareness overall. He is not overly mean as he does not chase huge hits, is physical when needed and stops low. When defending the net front he is aware of his check, box out and stick binding.

With the puck, Mayes plays a simple game. On breakout retrieves, he uses his size well to establish body position, protect the forechecker, and find the next play. He relies heavily on his partner, but will make simple and smart touches. He is a strong straight-line skater and likes to use this tool to carry the puck when there is space. In the offensive zone, Mayes keeps it simple, moves the puck quickly, and shoots when there is an open lane.

As a WHL rookie with his size, decent athleticism and IQ, Mayes was a strong defender for his team and still has a lot of potential in the future. To improve his value as a prospect, adding a few dominant traits to his game would help him a lot.

Director of Amateur Scouting Wes Clark on Nathan Mayes

Last pick of the draft. He is extremely physical. Great body. I think we know what Tre likes. We try to execute.

Nathan Mayes video

Nathan Mayes Statistics