PUBLICATION
TJ Tucker
December 5, 2025Â Â (3:38 PM)
Defenseman drafted by the Maple Leafs in the fourth round in 2024, has been chosen for Sweden’s World Juniors team, showing rapid development in his game.
Not every player drafted by an NHL team is an Auston Matthews, Connor McDavid, or Connor Bedard, ready to play with the big boys at the age of 18 or 19.
In fact, those players are more so exceptions to the rule as full-time NHLers can take years to develop in the minors before making their NHL debuts.
One young defenseive prospect drafted by the Maple Leafs in 2024 is showing that some learn more quickly than others. That player is Victor Johansson.
Maple Leafs draft pick Victor Johansson gets a spot at the World Juniors
Through 10 games this season, Johansson has produced 1 goal and 4 points, and carries a +/- rating of +5.
Despite being described as “raw” by analysts, Johansson has once again overcome the critics by being named to Sweden’s World Juniors team.
Maple Leafs prospect Victor Johansson to play at World Juniors
Johansson now has an excellent opportunity to show the Maple Leafs that he’s hungry for success, and that he’s determined to be more than just a forgotten name in an NHL draft. So far, it looks like he’s on track to do just that.
Previously on Toronto Hockey Daily
POLL
9 HOURS AGOÂ Â Â |Â Â Â 125 ANSWERS
Young Maple Leafs prospect developing at a much faster rate than expected
Do you think we’ll see Victor Johansson playing in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the next 2 or 3 years?