Sons of former Maple Leafs Roberts, Kulemin taken in first round of OHL Draft

The first round of the 2025 OHL Draft had a real Toronto Maple Leafs flavour.

The sons of ex-Leafs Nikolay Kulemin and Gary Roberts both heard their names called early in the two-day draft.

Don Mills Flyers centre Aleks Kulemin went ninth overall to the Kingston Frontenacs, while Toronto Jr. Canadiens winger Sam Roberts was snapped up 16th overall by the Oshawa Generals.

The Kulemin family, from Russia, moved back to Southern Ontario this past season so Aleks could play in the Greater Toronto Hockey League, per Ken Campbell of the Toronto Star.

Sam Roberts, assuming he plays with the Generals, will follow his dad’s hockey path as Gary played in the OHL with Ottawa and Guelph before his 21-season NHL career.

The Ottawa 67’s also had a Leafs connection with the third-overall pick, taking Barrie Jr. Colts centre Brock Chitaroni, son of former Toronto draft pick Terry.

Huron-Perth Lakers winger Kane Barch, son of former NHLer Krys, went 22nd overall to the Kitchener Rangers.

The Peterborough Petes made Ottawa Valley Titans centre Kaden McGregor the first-overall pick.