Matt Finn selected 35th overall

There was some talk after the first round of the draft, where Guelph Storm defenceman Matt Finn was left standing, that he may fall to his hometown team Toronto for the No. 35 pick.

As it turns out, Finn, listed 6’0″ 197 by the Storm, became the second defenceman chose by Burke, and the second chosen who grew up rooting for the Leafs. Finn, who stylizes himself as a two-way defenceman with good hockey sense and a high compete level, was left available for the Leafs with their early second round selection.

“I played all sorts of minutes with Guelph. I quarterbacked the powerplay and ran the penalty kill.”

He’s a big kid who draws a lot of rave reviews by the folks who cover the OHL present in Pittsburgh this weekend. He’s described as a strong two-way guy who is a very complete skater, and tremendously agile for his size. He had 10 goals and 48 points with Guelph last season.

Finn said he preferred the penalty kill, which is odd, since Bryan McCabe and Mats Sundin, his two favourite players growing up, are known more for their offence than their defence.

Born in Toronto, he was also a member of the Bud Club growing up, and “now a member of the real club. I may have a couple of Carlton bears left over.”