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Maple Leafs’ Alexander Bilecki excited to bring ‘winning mentality’ to Toronto
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Photo credit: (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)
Michael Coyle
Jun 28, 2026, 07:00 EDTUpdated: Jun 27, 2026, 16:33 EDT
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The Toronto Maple Leafs are entering a new era under the leadership group of John Chayka and Mats Sundin. 
With Gavin McKenna being brought into the organization at first overall, the Maple Leafs’ draft could already be considered a win, but the picks that often can be the difference between a good draft and a great one are the players that get selected in the rounds that follow.
With the 60th overall selection in the draft, the Maple Leafs selected Kitchener Rangers defenceman Alexander Bilecki. Bilecki, 18, is coming off his second season with the Rangers and showed strong growth during year two in the Ontario Hockey League. 
After posting 14 points in 45 games during his rookie campaign, Bilecki recorded nine goals and 20 assists over 66 games before chipping in 11 more points in 18 games during the Rangers’ OHL championship run. Bilecki added in three assists during four Memorial Cup games en route to the Memorial Cup championship, and brings the belief that the success he had this season will carry over to his professional organization. 
“I’m a winner,” Bilecki said to Sportsnet’s Luke Fox. “So, can’t wait to bring that mentality into Toronto.”
Bilecki is a Mississauga native and grew up as a Maple Leafs fan, so the selection had extra meaning for someone who grew up just west of where the Maple Leafs play their home games at Scotiabank Arena. 
“It’s surreal, really. Obviously, being from Mississauga, Toronto area, I always watched the Leafs,” Bilecki said following his selection. “It’s a great feeling, obviously, to have your name called, especially by this organization. 
Bilecki feels likely to return to Kitchener to begin next season as he continues to develop his all-around game. Listed at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, Bilecki’s skating ability has always been a strength, but there’s also a key element that he feels has helped him continue to improve each step of the way. 
“I think my skating and just my hockey IQ. The way I see the ice, the plays you’ll see me make, if it’s on a breakout pass or creating the chance in the offensive zone with a back door seam pass,” Bilecki said. “I just think that’s what I can bring, and be dynamic offensively, contributing that way.”

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