On the Clock: Toronto Maple Leafs: Behind the Scenes with the Toronto Maple Leafs at the NHL Draft

by Scott Wheeler

A singular, transcendent talent can change the fortunes of a hockey team instantly. Each year, NHL teams approach the draft with this knowledge, hoping that luck will be on their side and that their extensive scouting and analysis will pay off.

In On the Clock: Toronto Maple Leafs, Scott Wheeler explores the fascinating, rollercoaster history of the Leafs at the draft, from first pick Walt McKechnie to Auston Matthews and beyond.

Readers will go behind the scenes with top decision-makers as they evaluate, deliberate, and ultimately make the picks they hope will tip the fate of their franchise toward success.

From seemingly surefire first-rounders to surprising late selections, this is a must-read for Leafs faithful and hockey fans eager for a glimpse at how teams are built.

Genres: Sports, Hockey, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

Published October 4, 2022

Reviews

[Davey Boyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where to start!

This book has elements of being both hyper-specific but also a very easy read for any kind of sports fan.

The research is well thought-out and Scott has a great ability to tie-in stories throughout the book.

A must read for Leaf fans and a fun, easy read for anyone!

[Reyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following development of this book for years and it's FINALLY HERE. I cannot wait to check out all of the brand-new stories about how things have shaken out behind the scenes and find out all of the nitty gritty of how recruiting new talent to such an organization. If this is even 10% as good as Scott's previously published work in the Athletic then I know we will ALL be in for a treat

[Mike Mackley · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s very meh. If you follow the leafs you probably know how each of these stories end. I especially like the last one where a players father gloats about his kid and suggests he was better then guys going in round 4, 5, 6 etc like a truly typical and delusional hockey parent. Probably the worst chapter of the book unfortunately.

For a light casual read, it’s fine. But it reads like a bunch of articles in the athletic stapled together to form 15 or so chapters. Just underwhelming I suppose.

[Stan Brimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott has done an excellent job of unearthing great draft stories that all hockey fans will enjoy. Yeah, Matthews is on the cover and it is ostensibly about the Leafs but there is lots here for even the most casual of hockey fan. From Jim Gregory, JFJ, through to Tyler Biggs and recent draft years full of star power, Scott's great work at The Athletic covering prospects continues here.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book. It's really insightful and provides great access to backstage at the draft over the years, along with never-before-heard anecdotes. Highly recommended.

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

great reading about the history of the Toronto Maple Leafs drafting from 1968 to 2022 draft along with the trades made. The book has been well researched by the author Scott Wheeler - a great read for hockey fans regardless of what team you cheer for.

[Patrick Conlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mix of pretty familiar stories that most Leaf fans have heard over the years and some that were new. Personally, as a fan who grew up watching the team in the early 2000’s, the chapters about the JFJ and Burke drafts were the most exciting for me. The Tyler Biggs chapter was fantastic.

[Ursula Toaze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

[Gwen S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing storytelling, and never before heard Leafs draft stories! Would absolutely recommend to any hockey fan.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! go leafs go!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book for my son - he’s a huge Leafs fan. He’s already finished it. It would make a great Christmas gift for any hockey lover.

[Mackenzie Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book, a great read! Would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys the NHL or a good book at that!

[Dylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for any hockey fan, not just leafs fans! Both educational and very interesting read with all the behind-the-scenes info that we normally miss out on!

[Adam Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read with some cool insight and stories from the draft. The tough part was reliving all the terrible Leafs' draft moments over the years

[Jack Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good sports book. I liked this book and the concept but I wish it was more about how the draft worked and not just stories, as I would love to get into scouting.

[Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know a lot about the leafs and this had stories and information I didn't know. Well written and insightful.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a huge hockey fan (but thankfully not a Leafs fan) and voracious reader, I was so excited about this book that I preordered it the second I heard about it, and I'm so glad I did. Although not a binge read, I finished it quickly and really enjoyed the detailed breakdowns of each draft pick and trade move over the years that all led up to the current Leafs roster.