Photo credit: Editor In Leaf
The Toronto Maple Leafs may have found a surprise prospect in Harry Nansi following a standout performance.
The Maple Leafs 2025 NHL Draft class was one that some people criticized as subpar, having drafted project players with low upside, confusing a few with the team’s strategy.
One of those players selected was Owen Sound center Harry Nansi, a player who underwhelmed stat wise with 23 points in 67 games, dropping the 6’3 center to the fifth round, 153rd overall.
A season after just 23 points, Nansi has 23 points this season in the OHL, in just 17 games and Nansi’s massive growth is cause for excitement in Toronto.
Nansi had a five point night Sunday against the Erie Otters, bringing him tied for his entire effort last season.
Nansi is not as much of a surprise steal for the Leafs as would have been suspected by some if they did their digging. Despite being undervalued and not statistically dominant, Nansi did have his amount of believers.
Harry Nansi’s Potential Always Evident Despite Average Production
Despite what was modest production in his draft year, Harry Nansi was always a player who had more to offer in his game.
In the Dobber Prospects final draft rankings, David Saad, a big fan of Nansi’s game, called the forward a player with clear upside, but had some clear flaws needed to get to his potential.Nansi is a big, hardworking winger, excelling in board battles and creating scoring chances from the slot with his hands and playmaking in transition.
Despite struggles with skating, inconsistency, and poor decision-making under pressure, his size, effort, and vision offer potential for a bottom-six NHL role with proper development – David Saad/Dobber Prospects
Skating is the one obvious question in Nansi’s game. Last season, Nansi struggled with slow foot speed and a below-average transition option, but this year has gotten his game to a more league average speed, although it’s still below average pro wise.
On the other hand, Nansi was also a September 2007 birthday, less than a week from being eligible this draft, his 1.35 PPG would be third in this OHL class.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a lot to be excited for in Harry Nansi, bringing clear upside player, showing early a potential success for the Maple Leafs scouting department.
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