The Toronto Maple Leafs are featured in the NHL Prospect Pool Overview Series. Tony Ferrari examines the strengths and weaknesses of the Maple Leafs, reviewing recent draft classes, position depth, and players nearing NHL opportunities. Players who have lost rookie status in the NHL are considered graduates and are generally excluded from these prospect evaluations, with few exceptions.
The Maple Leafs are transitioning into a new phase. The once prominent “Core Four” has shrunk to a “Core Two,” with Mitch Marner currently negotiating a contract extension with a cap hit under $5 million, alongside John Tavares. Auston Matthews and William Nylander remain the only players with salaries above $7.75 million. This financial setup has enabled the team to develop other areas of the roster around their star players, possibly leading to a more balanced but less flashy style of play. Although losing a 100-point player is a significant setback, the team enters the season with cap space—a first in some time—potentially allowing for youth integration to support Marner offensively.
Easton Cowan embodies the Leafs’ hopes for a top-six forward impact and might debut in the NHL this season. Known for his intelligence, motivation, and playmaking creativity, Cowan combines speed and skill to open up scoring chances for teammates. He has been a leading offensive force in the OHL, helping the London Knights secure consecutive championships. While likely starting in the AHL, Cowan has the potential for NHL appearances this year.
Miroslav Holinka, with nearly a point per game last WHL season, is evolving into a promising Leafs pick. His developing offensive skills are combined with a strong defensive game. Jacob Kiran impressed in his first full AHL season as a physical, straightforward center committed to two-way play, though quicker decision-making is needed for NHL success.
Though not a true prospect, 24-year-old Henry Srun was acquired in a trade that freed cap space and may serve as a seventh defenseman, known for solid puck-moving and defensive capabilities. Noah Chadwick, a productive WHL defenseman with good vision and passing, faces challenges with skating and mobility but brings size and creativity to the blue line.
Defender Ben Dunford is a physical, effective player who excels defensively and in moving the puck with smart decisions. Victor Johansson, a skilled puck-mover from Sweden, still needs to develop physically and will spend more time in the SHL. William Villeneuve was the Marlies’ top scoring defenseman last season, noted for accurate passing but needing more speed and fluidity to make an NHL impact.
The Maple Leafs boast a strong goalie duo in Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll, but their top goalie prospect is 19-year-old Artur Akhtyamov. Akhtyamov showed strong potential in his North American debut with quick reflexes and aggressive angles, aiming to establish himself as the team’s third goalie option.
Likely to be on the NHL roster this season is Matthew Nees, a left winger. The 2025 NHL draft class includes notable players such as center Tinus Luc Koblar, valued for his size and smart play, and Tyler Hopkins, a speedy and versatile forward who still needs to refine his game. William Bell and Harry Nansi, both physical forwards, offer different developmental paths, while defenseman Rylan Fellinger is a raw but physically imposing player. Matthew Fracal, a physical presence, was also added in the late rounds.
The team’s depth is strongest at center, with a mix of size, versatility, and developing talent, though a true top-six center prospect is lacking. The Maple Leafs have yet to uncover star-level talent in their prospect pool beyond Easton Cowan, who may settle into a second-line role. More star prospects are needed to extend the competitive window alongside Matthews and Nylander.
Among hidden gems is Luke Haymes, a 22-year-old undrafted college free agent with strong two-way skills and a solid professional debut in the AHL. Look for him to push for NHL opportunities soon.
The next players Leafs fans are watching are Easton Cowan, who has a real chance at NHL games this season, and Henry Srun, a solid defensive prospect with excellent passing skills who could provide depth on the blue line.
Prospects on the Leafs’ roster chart include forwards Easton Cowan and Luke Haymes, centers Tinus Luc Koblar and Miroslav Holinka, wingers Harry Nansi and William Bell, defensemen Henry Srun and Noah Chadwick, and goalies Artur Akhtyamov and Dennis Hildbeby, among others. For a deeper dive, check out the Hockey News Print Edition yearbook and Future Watch Edition.
Fan Take: This detailed look at the Maple Leafs’ prospect pool reveals a team in the midst of rebuilding its future talent base, which is crucial for maintaining competitiveness beyond their current stars. Hockey fans should pay attention to these emerging players, as they signify the next generation that could shape the Leafs’ success and the NHL landscape in the coming years.
