MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #31 Toronto Maple Leafs – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Prospect System Ranking – 31st (Last Year - 27th)
GM: TBD
COACH: Craig Berube Hired: May 2024

A pivotal offseason trade that sent Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights signalled the beginning of a new chapter for the Toronto Maple Leafs. While maintaining a competitive roster remained the priority, a mid-season downturn tempered expectations and forced the organization to reassess its direction. At the trade deadline, Toronto moved several established pieces — including Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, and Nicolas Roy — in exchange for future assets.

With Fraser Minten now in Boston and Easton Cowan having graduated to the NHL, the remaining prospect pool leaves much to be desired. Fortunately for Toronto, the presence of established stars such as Auston Matthews and William Nylander ensures the organization remains competitive while the pipeline is rebuilt. For now, Ben Danford stands as the club’s top prospect, ranking 146th in McKeen’s system. While his offensive production remains limited, the steady two-way defender is developing nicely and enjoying a significant role during what could be a deep playoff run with the Brantford Bulldogs in the OHL. Now 20, Danford is projected to make the transition to the professional ranks for the 2026–27 season. Close behind him are Jacob Quillan (196th) and Miroslav Holinka (200th). Quillan has already appeared in an NHL game with Toronto, while Holinka continues to outperform expectations for a fifth-round pick, shattering his previous WHL scoring highs as one of the Edmonton Oil Kings’ top contributors.

Still, the lack of high-end draft capital — exacerbated by deals such as the 2025 Brandon Carlo trade — has left the Leafs’ system thin at the top. For now, Toronto finds itself in one of hockey’s most challenging positions: a mid-range competitive team with limited prospect depth and little immediate help on the horizon.

1. Ben Danford, D, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

Selected 31st overall in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Danford has his sights on reaching the OHL finals for the third consecutive season, after reaching the previous two OHL finals with the Oshawa Generals. The Brantford Bulldogs loaded up this season, acquiring several NHL prospects, including trading for Danford in late October. Danford’s offensive production mirrors last season, averaging roughly a point every other game while seeing time on the Bulldogs’ second-unit power play. What makes Danford an attractive prospect for the Leafs is his defensive zone play. This season, he is blocking nearly 2.5 shots per game. He has been consistent with being able to clear traffic in front of the net and bring a physical style of play every night. He has also done a good job of maintaining discipline when delivering some massive hits. His progression into a middle pair, shutdown defensive defenceman at the NHL level will take time. If his potential trajectory hits, the Leafs will have found themselves a valuable right-hand shot puck-moving defensive defenceman.

2. Jacob Quillan, C, Toronto Marlies (AHL)

A former standout with Quinnipiac, where he won an NCAA championship in 2023, Quillan was a high-profile free agent signing by the Leafs a few years ago. Now in his second professional season, he has emerged as an offensive leader for the Marlies, and this has led to a brief NHL call up. Quillan likely doesn’t have significant NHL upside; he’s not likely a top six player. However, he’s a terrific two-way player and an intelligent playmaker who projects as a very useful bottom six role player and penalty killer. When we look at the state of the Leafs’ bottom six currently, we see several players who are pending free agents. This could open the door for Quillan to grab a permanent spot on the Leafs’ roster next season. In a perfect world, the Leafs have to be hoping that Quillan can develop into a Nic Dowd kind of player, which would obviously be terrific value from a free asset. Of course, former teammate Collin Graf has had a breakout year with the San Jose Sharks after being a free agent signing himself.

3. Miroslav Holinka, C, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

The 6-foot-2 198-pound Oil Kings centre is in the midst of a very productive offensive season in the WHL. Finishing just outside of the top 10 in league scoring, Holinka is a large reason that the Oil Kings have the third best record in the eastern conference. Since coming over to North America, Holinka has rounded out the defensive side of his game and while that likely won't be his calling card at the next level, becoming an all-around center will greatly increase his chances of playing in the NHL in one day. Holinka processes the game at a very high level, and that is a huge advantage he has when adjusting to the next level. He will need a few years in the AHL to continue developing his all-around game and adjusting to playing with bigger and stronger players, but if he is able to keep improving year after year, you will likely end up seeing him in an NHL bottom six at some point. This looks like a very savvy later round selection by the Leafs.

4. Tyler Hopkins, C, Guelph Storm (OHL) (currently with Toronto Marlies, AHL)

Selected in the third round, 86th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Hopkins is a versatile young prospect in the Leafs’ system capable of filling a variety of roles. Hopkins is impactful when playing at a high pace and utilizing his skill with the puck. Representing Canada at the U17 and U18 levels, Hopkins was deployed primarily in the bottom six, often serving as the 13th forward in a shutdown, checking role. The Guelph Storm acquired Hopkins earlier this season with the clear intention of positioning him as a key piece for next year, when Guelph will host the 2027 Memorial Cup. His point production has dipped since the move; however, the Storm dealt captains Jett Luchanko and Charlie Paquette to accumulate assets and retool in preparation for their Memorial Cup push. Between Kingston and Guelph, Hopkins has evolved into more of a playmaking distributor while maintaining his scoring touch. He finished with 20-plus goals for the second consecutive season (25) while leading the Storm in scoring. He should project to be among the OHL’s top point producers next year. As he continues along his development path, his role is becoming clearer as a bottom six forward capable of providing depth scoring and energy.

5. Tinus Luc Koblar, C, Leksands IF (SHL)

The Leafs raised some eyebrows when they took Koblar at 64th overall, their first pick in the 2025 draft. He was thought to be a long-term project, but he’s already seized a meaningful everyday SHL role with Leksands IF. Koblar is a skilled two-way forward who brings a healthy dose of physical energy and competitiveness wherever he plays. He’s a big body who can insulate pucks and win puck battles deep in the offensive zone. He’s got a nice finishing touch around the net and is no stranger to the blue paint. His strong two-way play down the middle is a big reason why he’s been sticking at the pro level and playing tough minutes. Koblar’s skating still needs a bit of work and his playmaking hasn’t been as inside driven as it was in juniors, but his drive to improve his game is so strong that I’m confident it will improve. Koblar’s development trajectory has been insane so far and may not be far away from a move to North America. Koblar should end up with a bottom six role as a two-way center who can supply physicality and depth scoring, something the Leafs could sorely use right now.

6. Noah Chadwick, D, Toronto Marlies (AHL)

Chadwick has developed well since being a late round selection by the Leafs in 2023. Last year he served as the captain of Lethbridge and was named to the Canadian WJC camp roster, although failed to make the final roster. The 6-foot-4 defender was well over the 100-point mark in his final two WHL seasons, however, he also made significant progress in the defensive end. Heading into his first pro season, the key for Chadwick was finding a way to improve his skating and mobility. An intelligent playmaker and defensive player, Chadwick could be exposed by speed at the WHL level, so there was some concern that the AHL level would overwhelm him initially. However, that has not been the case. He’s been a reliable two-way presence for the Marlies in his rookie year and has shown progress as a skater. While Chadwick’s NHL potential is likely capped as a steady third pairing type, he’s looking more and more likely to be a capable NHL contributor.

7. Harry Nansi, RW, Owen Sound Attack (OHL) (currently with Toronto Marlies, AHL)

Selected in the fifth round, 153rd overall in the 2025 NHL Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Nansi has made noticeable progress this season, surpassing his combined goal and point totals from the previous two years. The Attack have found strong chemistry with the forward trio of Nansi, Tristan Delisle and Pierce Mbuyi, combining for 33 of the team’s 65 total powerplay goals. Nansi is most effective operating below the goal line, where he can retrieve pucks along the wall and utilize his vision to locate and set up teammates in high-danger areas. One of the primary question marks in Nansi’s game remains his skating, particularly his overall pace and footspeed. He still lacks the first-step quickness needed to create separation in transition. Nansi has made significant progress this season and possesses tools to be a pro player, but his development will continue to take time.

8. Victor Johansson, D, IK Oskarshamn (Allsvenskan)

Johansson has continued to make steady progress this season. He began the year in the SHL with Leksands IF, went on loan to IK Oskarshamn in Allsvenskan to take on a larger role, and has been back with Leksand since mid-January. Across those environments, he has handled structured professional competition well, showing growing composure with the puck and improving defensive reads under pressure. His game remains controlled and positionally sound. His strengths center on mobility, defensive awareness, and reliability in structured play. He maintains solid gap control and generally makes safe decisions with the puck. Areas for growth include adding strength and being more physically engaged, especially in net front situations and extended defensive zone time. Long term, he will likely follow a longer development path through Sweden or the AHL before pushing for NHL roster opportunities. In the nearer term, his most likely path is establishing himself in a larger role at the European professional level, whether in the SHL or another top league.

9. Luke Haymes, C, Toronto Marlies (AHL)

Like the aforementioned Jacob Quillan, Haymes was a free agent signing by the Leafs out of the NCAA. One of the prized pickups from last year’s NCAA free agent crop, Haymes was a standout with Dartmouth, then actually performed very admirably for the Marlies at the end of last season. Heading into this year, expectations were quite high, but Haymes’ offensive production has been a bit of a disappointment. However, it should be stated that Toronto’s veteran additions to the Marlies’ lineup has limited his ice time and impact. Much like Quillan this year, the Leafs will be hoping that Haymes takes a big step forward in his second pro season next year. Also, like Quillan, Haymes likely profiles as a quality bottom six piece because of a solid frame, high IQ, strong defensive engagement, and the ability to play with pace. Could Quillan and Haymes make up two thirds of a future checking, defensive shutdown line for the Leafs? It’s entirely possible. Haymes is just a little further away.

10. Artur Akhtiamov, G, Toronto Marlies (AHL)

Even though Dennis Hildeby has found terrific success with the Leafs (and no longer qualifies for our list), an argument could be made that Akhtiamov has been better this year for the Marlies. In his second professional season, Akhtiamov has had another solid year after a quality rookie campaign. But, with a log jam in the net, where does he fit in the long term? He’ll already be 25 going into next year’s NHL season and he’s clearly blocked by others in the organization. That begs the question: Is Akhtiamov’s future with the Leafs or another NHL team? Regardless, the 6-foot-2 netminder has the athleticism and competitiveness to be an NHL goaltender. He scrambles, stays with pucks, and is extremely quick covering his posts. Sometimes, his athleticism can be a curse as he scrambles and loses position, but thus far his AHL performance has been good. The success of these types of netminders has been a little hit and miss, however, he’s proving that he deserves a shot somewhere.

11. Borya Valis, RW, Toronto Marlies (AHL)

The Leafs signed Valis out of the WHL last year, and he’s had a pretty decent rookie season with the Marlies. Valis can really rifle the puck, and he’s improved a lot over the last few years as an off-puck player who can use his size to his advantage.

12. William Villeneuve, D, Toronto Marlies (AHL)

Villeneuve looked like he was close to earning a look from the Leafs last year after a strong season for the Marlies, but he’s in the midst of his worst statistical pro season in his fourth AHL year. Time may be running out for him in the Leafs’ system.

13. Nick Moldenhauer, C, University of Michigan (NCAA)

Now a junior at the University of Michigan, Moldenhauer has yet to meet the high expectations placed on him. That said, he is a big-time breakout candidate as a senior next year. He just needs to keep getting stronger and quicker to help him take advantage of his gifts as a goal scorer and slot presence.

14. Blake Smith, D, Toronto Marlies (AHL)

Another recent CHL free agent signing by the Leafs, Smith, is a strong skating, defensively oriented defender. He’s been a consistent physical presence with the Marlies but remains a long-term project.

15. William Belle, RW, University of Notre Dame (NCAA)

No question, Belle is a long shot. He’s been a near non-factor offensively as a freshman at Notre Dame. But his combination of size and skating ability is still rare and makes him a project worth following as he continues his NCAA eligibility.