Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
The Leafs prospect tournament reveals clear winners and losers, and potential NHL ready talents in their system.
The Toronto Maple Leafs rookie camp has come and gone, and while no major changes were taken from the team’s two games, they did reveal a lot about their prospect pool and some revelations about what it is that they have.
It was already well documented by most that the Leafs do not have a deep prospect group, and don’t have a sturdy future system, owing that in large part to being both a consistent playoff team, as well as trading off first round picks.
In two games played, one against the Ottawa Senators and the other against the Montreal Canadiens, a bit more clear did some projections remain. But for others, they remain a clear enigma, a lottery ticket. Uncertain.
The recent tournament revealed some key moments that have solidified the opinions of some, but have also created new considerations to certain players that change their projection, and what they could be at the pro level.
The Good: Jacob Quillan A Standout For Leafs In Series
Jacob Quillan had the Leafs lowest number (#26) in the rookie tournament. That has to mean something, right?
Quillan didn’t play with a rookie player on his back, and it’s perhaps a sign of how mature he is, and how he could be the Leafs surprise fighter for a roster spot this season.
The Quinnipiac forward has translated his mature two-way game incredibly well to the AHL and has shown he can do a bit of everything.
In this tournament, Quillan showed he’s both a creator and distributor with the puck, but got his scoring looks as well.
Quillan is defensively reliable and can play with a physical edge, while being able to seamlessly go from one role to another in transition without losing a beat. This was the type of performance that gets you noticed if he wasn’t before.
The upside of Quillan isn’t the highest, but he looks like a potential bottom-six forward in his future, and could get some 4C reps. With Scott Laughton a free agent at the end of this season, there’s a real spot open for Quillan to take, and he very well could.The Good: Luke Haymes Expanding On Promise From AHL Stint
Luke Haymes was a top college free agent coming out of Dartmouth, having gone from a 5’9 cut in the OHL as a youngster to finishing off his season with six points in nine games for the Marlies, now at 6’1.
Haymes looked very mature in this one, only 22 but one of the hardest working players both on offense and defense. Haymes was one of the best players in this tournament for how active and alert he was, and how well he showed he can do a bit of everything for a team.
Haymes will likely suit up for the Leafs in the preseason and it will be a great opportunity to see if his effort level can present itself against NHL talent. He’s a longshot to play an NHL game in the regular season, but Haymes has the tools to work, and the workmanship to try.
A very solid tournament for Ben Danford who showed he’s more than capable of playing a 200 foot game when he needs to.
At the NHL level, Danford projects more as a Chris Tanev stay-at-home type of defender, and there was no shortage of smart defensive plays from Danford along with more puck activation from the blueline and offensive creativity.
Some good physicality as well to go along with a defensively reliable foundation, he’s proving that he can work hard and be an imposing player, although he’ll need a bit more offensive growth and show that he can move the puck more often.
This was a good tournament from Danford who has shown he can be a lot more, although he needs to prove there’s an extra layer to his game.
Most eyes were on Easton Cowan to deliver and while he did, he still had more he could have given.
A possible contender for a spot with the Leafs with a hole on the right wing, Cowan showed some good offensive ability and skating, but he didn’t dominate or elevate himself over his opponents the way Quillan did. In terms of readiness, Quillan seems a bit higher.
Cowan did show some tenacity on defense and is working a lot harder, he just needs to be more pressing and create a lot more by himself.
Cowan will probably need a year in the AHL first. He’ll make it to training camp and he could still get in some NHL games, but not the match where he showed he’s too good for the rookies.
Miroslav Holinka had a very solid tournament where he showcased his maturity and some flash, but he’s still someone who doesn’t have the breakout skills to be much more in the NHL than a reliable 3C.
When given space, Holinka has done really well showing that he can make plays and create scoring opportunities. It’s something noted before that Holinka has clear offensive potential that has gone somewhat unnoticed, but the skill is there.
Reliable defensively and a smooth skater, Holinka could be on the verge of a potential breakout. Hopefully he avoids roster cuts because it’d be great to see what he can do in a preseason game.The Average: Tyler Hopkins Another Reliable Center Option For Leafs
Like Miroslav Holinka, Tyler Hopkins is somewhat limited in his overall game and a lack of a standout trait that makes him a higher rated prospect, but he’s shown why he’s reliable enough to play a potential bottom-six role in his future.
Hopkins did well staying calm and collected and not letting the game get away from him. He looked very mature against Ottawa and showed some growth in his offensive playmaking ability, while retaining his solid defensive awareness and composure.
Hopkins has a bit of average skating, but does showcase a strong skating burst that he uses to his advantage well.
Hopkins will probably not get the opportunities at ice time like he did in this one at the NHL level, but a good showing in this tournament makes him stand out as a solid prospect in the Leafs system.
Noah Chadwick’s D+1 season managed to excite in the growth he had done to his game and the progress made in a short amount of time. Ever since, Chadwick has struggled to grow past those initial gains.
He was a bit average for the Leafs and struggled to stand out. Chadwick had some solid playmaking looks and was aware in his own end, but struggled with showcasing advanced plays beyond this level and didn’t use his size as well as he could.
There’s still a future in which Chadwick can become an NHLer, but he really needs to take a step forward and advance in his development or he may be stuck as someone who doesn’t make it.
Not too many expectations could be lofted upon a seventh round pick who was not expected to be any sort of offense driver, but even then the expectations of Matthew Hlacar still seemed to fall short.
What was hoped is that he could at least provide a physical edge and win pucks, but he struggled heavily to showcase much in that, except for a little bit of engagement, Hlacar didn’t show as much aggressiveness as he could.
His offensive game is near nonexistent and even questionable at the OHL level. The overage forward who had just eight points in 43 games was not expected to drive much offense, but it’s not really clear what Hlacar brings beside hitting people, and did that really warrant a draft pick?
Undrafted invite Owen Conrad outplayed him well, a player who deserved a pick.
He has connections to Craig Berube from back in St. Louis, and developed under a close Berube friend in the Hunter’s. Not sure if he’s an NHLer but he could carve out a pro career based on how hard he works.
Artur Akhtyamov and Vyacheslav Peksa both showcased their capabilities in net. Doubt Peksa has done much to displace Akhtyamov on the depth chart, but for now he’s cooled a few questions about his potential.2025 fifth rounder Harry Nansi didn’t look very noticeable for Toronto, although he had a few creative passes that only affirm how much of a project he really is. He may take as long as their European prospects to develop into an NHL caliber player.
The Leafs will likely cut most of their junior players and send them back to their teams’ rookie camps, although with a lack of defensive depth and wanting mentorship I’d imagine Ben Danford stays on.
Tyler Hopkins and Miroslav Holinka have earned at least a skate with the big team, Holinka the likelier with a chance to make it to the preseason.
HockeyPatrol Three Stars Of The Tournament
⭐️ – Jacob Quillan
⭐️⭐️ – Luke Haymes
⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Ben Danford
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Maple Leafs Prospect Analysis: Who Stood Out and Who Has More to Prove
Were you impressed with the Leafs rookies in the prospect tournament?