Maple Leafs GM Nonis confirms interest in trading for higher pick

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Dave Nonis confirmed the team is eyeing a higher pick at the NHL Draft, telling the Toronto Sun "there are some players we rank higher and have interest in.”

According to Mike Zeisberger, the Maple Leafs interviewed forward Sam Bennett and defenseman Aaron Ekblad at the NHL's scouting combine back in May, both of whom are projected to be selected in the top three at the Draft.

Nonis, however, appears content sticking with the eighth pick if a deal can't be reached. “It’s a deep draft - that’s why you have four teams at the top open to trading down,” Nonis said. “We’re confident of getting a good player at No. 8 if we stay there.”