William Villeneuve – McKeen's Hockey

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

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:00:00 +0000

Ben Danford

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.

NHL	RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	2024-25 TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
Tor	1	Ben Danford	D	20	6-1/190	Osh-Bfd (OHL)	45	3	17	20	13
Tor	2	Jacob Quillan	C	24	6-1/205	Toronto (AHL)	40	14	22	36	23
Tor	2	Jacob Quillan	C	24	6-1/205	Toronto (NHL)	23	1	2	3	2
Tor	3	Miroslav Holinka	C	20	6-1/185	Edmonton (WHL)	59	37	43	80	24
Tor	3	Miroslav Holinka	C	20	6-1/185	Toronto (AHL)	1	0	1	1	0
Tor	4	Tyler Hopkins	C	19	6-1/180	Kgn-Gue (OHL)	56	25	25	50	28
Tor	5	Tinus Luc Koblar	C	18	6-4/190	Leksands (SHL)	47	8	6	14	24
Tor	5	Tinus Luc Koblar	C	18	6-4/190	Leksands (Swe J20)	2	0	1	1	0
Tor	6	Noah Chadwick	D	21	6-3/185	Toronto (AHL)	68	5	18	23	38
Tor	7	Harry Nansi	RW	18	6-3/185	Owen Sound (OHL)	67	13	43	56	29
Tor	8	Victor Johansson	D	20	6-1/145	Oskarshamn (Allsvenskan)	22	1	9	10	16
Tor	8	Victor Johansson	D	20	6-1/145	Leksands (SHL)	10	0	3	3	2
Tor	8	Victor Johansson	D	20	6-1/145	Leksands (Swe J20)	2	2	0	2	2
Tor	9	Luke Haymes	C	22	6-1/190	Toronto (AHL)	66	17	16	33	22
Tor	9	Luke Haymes	C	22	6-1/190	Toronto (NHL)	4	0	1	1	2
Tor	10	Artur Akhtyamov	G	24	6-2/170	Toronto (AHL)	37	21	12	2.88	0.904
Tor	11	Borya Valis	RW	22	6-1/180	Toronto (AHL)	60	15	10	25	41
Tor	12	William Villeneuve	D	24	6-1/165	Toronto (AHL)	61	3	27	30	64
Tor	12	William Villeneuve	D	24	6-1/165	Toronto (NHL)	3	0	0	0	0
Tor	13	Nicholas Moldenhauer	C	22	5-10/170	Michigan (NCAA)	40	15	16	31	16
Tor	14	Blake Smith	D	21	6-5/225	Toronto (AHL)	62	1	8	9	110
Tor	15	William Belle	RW	19	6-4/225	Notre Dame (NCAA)	34	1	3	4	33

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.

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #27

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 18:05:59 +0000

Prospect System Ranking – 27th (May 2025 - 29th)
GM: Brad Treliving Hired: May 2023
COACH: Craig Berube Hired: May 2024

The biggest storyline in Toronto this year was defined by a departure rather than an arrival. In a blockbuster “sign-and-trade” deal, star forward Mitch Marner was shipped to Vegas for Nicolas Roy. While the move doesn’t necessarily bolster their pipeline, it marks the end of an era and an obvious pivot away from a direction they have been following for years.

That approach was reinforced when Toronto dealt one of its few premium prospects, Fraser Minten, along with 2026 and 2027 first-round picks, to Boston and Philadelphia in exchange for veteran defenseman Brandon Carlo and forward Scott Laughton. The transaction provided immediate roster support, but it left their already-thin pipeline in an even rougher state.

Easton Cowan now carries the weight of being the organization’s lone “must-hit” prospect. The 20-year-old capped off his OHL career in London with 69 points in 46 games and is on the verge of turning pro. While his NHL impact may be a season or two away, Cowan remains the most promising piece in an otherwise shallow system.

On defense, Ben Danford has quietly emerged as a potential long-term contributor, coming off another strong campaign with Oshawa. His development will be key for a team that lacks young blue line talent.

The 2025 draft added six new players to the organization, though none cracked McKeen’s top 250. Simply put, the Leafs’ pipeline is one of the weakest in the league, and recent trades have further eroded its long-term potential. With so much of their future capital spent, Toronto is firmly betting that its current core can deliver before the bill for this aggressive approach comes due.

Toronto Maple Leafs Top-15 Prospects

1 - Easton Cowan

The 2024 Red Tlison winner in the OHL as the league’s most outstanding player was also the MVP of the playoffs as the Knights captured the title two seasons ago. It would have been hard for him to replicate or build off that success, even if he did help London capture another OHL title last year. Some Leafs fans seem to be down on Cowan after a decline in production and a poor performance at the World Juniors for Canada. However, he’s still a terrific young prospect and someone with a significant chance of becoming a quality middle six forward for the Leafs in the near future. He brings speed. He brings tenacity. He has an attacking mindset and is hungry for the puck in all three zones. Best of all, he’s a skilled one-on-one player who can, both, play through defenders or around them. The key for Cowan will be refining his approach to fit the pro game. He’ll have to cut down on his offensive zone turnovers and be more calculated with the puck. He’ll likely settle into more of a complementary role, and that can be an adjustment for former junior stars. Even if the Leafs could have some holes to fill next year in the bottom six, it could be wise for them to take a cautious approach and start Cowan in the AHL to allow him to build confidence and adjust.

2 - Ben Danford

Don’t be alarmed by the decline in offensive production from Danford this past year. With Luca Marrelli still in the fold, he wasn’t going to be asked to take on more offensive responsibility. That will be next year, when he has a shot to be the team’s top power play quarterback and true number one defender. For now, appreciate the defensive efficiency that Danford brings to the ice. He shuts down the transition game with his mobility and aggressiveness. He clears the net and wins 50/50 battles. He blocks shots extremely effectively. He has an active stick. He even emerged as one of the OHL’s elite body checkers this past year, really upping the ante physically. Danford’s projection still hasn’t changed much in a year; we’re still looking at a potential second pairing defensive anchor who can help neutralize the opponent’s best.

3 - Tyler Hopkins

“Hoppy” as he’s affectionately known by, is a versatile pivot with the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL and a recent third-round selection of the Leafs. He’s a well-rounded player who does a lot of things well. He’s a strong skater. He competes away from the puck and is an effective forechecker. He can make plays in transition and will drive the net. After a breakout season with Kingston last year, Hopkins’ goal this year should be to hone into an identity. His versatility makes him a possible pro, but his jack-of-all-trades skill set does make his upside somewhat uncertain. What kind of pro will Hopkins be? How will his skill set translate? Added strength to his wiry frame should help him become a more consistent player and he will be leaned on more heavily by the Frontenacs this coming season, which will be great for his offensive development.

4 - Noah Chadwick

Over the past few seasons Chadwick has quietly developed into one of the best and most underrated defencemen in the entire WHL. The Hurricanes captain is a responsible, trustworthy player who brings an impressive amount of shift-to-shift consistency and efficiency in all three zones. There really isn't much that he couldn't do if asked, and that primarily stems from just how smart he is. To go so far as to say that he's one of the smartest prospects in all of junior hockey wouldn't even be an exaggeration, as evidenced by him winning the CHL Scholastic Player of the Year award in 2023-24. He's a major minute-eater at his current level of hockey and it's easy to see him eventually doing that in the NHL one day too. Finding prospects of this caliber late in the draft is a difficult task for scouts, so the Maple Leafs must be thrilled that they were able to bring in Chadwick using only a sixth-round pick.

5 - Luke Haymes

It’s been a long road to relevancy for Haymes, a former draft selection of the Soo Greyhounds. A year with Ridley College. A year in the BCHL. Three years with Dartmouth College, including an injury riddled one this past year. But, after signing with Toronto as a free agent, he’s firmly on the NHL radar. Haymes is a workhorse pivot who wins 50/50 battles down low, gets to the net, and is a strong finisher under pressure. He was excellent for the Marlies to end last season after turning pro, suggesting that he could actually be close to being ready for an NHL roster spot. Haymes’ upside is not likely significant. He projects as a bottom six player. But in a system that’s a little thin currently, Haymes’ mature game stands out. Expect him to play out this coming season with the Marlies before pushing for a depth role in 2026.

6 - Tinus Luc Koblar

The Leafs picking Koblar was a shock to many, but a savvy move to those in the know. Despite his lack of production at the J20 level, the young Slovenian-Norwegian forward has a ton of projectable tools that could make him a capable depth NHLer and has the IQ and compete to drive him forward in his development. Koblar is an intelligent, big bodied two-way center. He plays with a ton of skill and has exceptional timing on his passing plays. He’s great at using his frame to shield the puck from defensive pressure and he leverages his size in puck battles at an advanced level. He just seems to play the right way, as cliche as it sounds. Koblar is a raw prospect who will need a fair bit of seasoning before he’s ready to play in the NHL. He’s very lanky and needs to fill out a fair bit. Despite moving the puck well at the junior level, his quickness and acceleration will need improvement to be able to replicate that at higher levels. Next season, Koblar will most likely split time between Leksands U20 and Swedish pro hockey, be it the SHL or a loan to the HockeyAllsvenskan.

7 - William Villeneuve

After William Villeneuve matched both his points and games played totals in his first two AHL seasons, he took a big step forward this past season. William isn’t exactly agile on his feet, something exposed in his rush defence, but grace doesn’t matter as much when you're a top 15 scoring defenceman in the AHL. That said, Villeneuve will need to make big strides in his skating before getting a real NHL look, as the pace of play would likely overwhelm the Sherbrooke native in his current form. He’s someone to keep tabs on over the next couple of seasons, but odds are he settles in as an AHL regular and steady top four presence on the Marlies’ blueline. This is a contract year for William; he must put up another productive season and show he can do more than score. Adding a layer of bite to his defensive game could be what he needs to start getting some NHL looks when opportunities arise.

8 - Jacob Quillan

Jacob Quillian was signed as a free agent by the Leafs following his championship run with Quinnipiac. This year marked his first in the AHL, and he impressed, finishing above a half point per game while playing third-line minutes. He has a good motor and fits well into the Marlies’ middle six, bringing energy on both the backcheck and forecheck. He won’t drive a line, but Quillian can pull off nifty moves to win one-on-one rushes, a trait that boosts his chances as a north-south grinder at the NHL level. He consistently scans well in the defensive zone, identifying threats and plugging lanes. His defensive IQ and effort make him a strong call-up candidate if injuries hit. Quillian will likely return to the AHL next season to work on his offensive consistency, as his points came in bunches, but so did the quiet games. If Steeves is the scoring injury fill-in, Quillian is the defensive energy option.

9 - Artur Akhtiamov

After dominating the VHL and having a very impressive backup season in the KHL at 22, Akhtiamov numbers-wise, took a step back in his Marlies rookie-year. There are a lot of things that could have affected this seeming decrease in performance, but none that should be of any major concern. Transitioning to NA hockey is harder on goalies. Generally, European leagues are more perimeter based and slower paced making it more goalie-friendly. His actual skill set is much more dynamic than someone like Hildeby. He’s a prototypical Russian-style goalie in that he has extreme athleticism and speed. But his skating and anticipation are actually what stand out the most. He has incredible edges and an innate ability to change directions on a dime, reacting quickly to passes. He does struggle with rebounds, excessive movement and needs to learn to engage sooner, but his raw talents are high level. His situation isn’t amazing with the Toronto system as it is, but the ceiling is there to potentially crack a 1A role; it just may be a bit more of a long shot.

10 - Dennis Hildeby

As one of the biggest goalies to play in the NHL this past season at 6-foot-7, Hildeby understandably isn’t overly athletic. His speed, skating, and athletic abilities are about average and are good enough for the NHL, but he makes his paycheque off of his positional game. He’s very positionally sound, having great depth and really smart movement selection. He seems to know what to do; he just hasn’t yet adjusted to the speed of the NHL to fully anticipate plays. But I do think it will come to him easier than most. His level of composure for someone so big is very impressive, as well as how quick his hands can be in making saves. He does struggle with rebounds, which hurt him in the NHL this season. Because of that, he showed that he wasn’t quite ready for the NHL as of yet. His potential could reach a decent tandem goalie by being a calm, reliable presence, but he isn’t dynamic enough or elite in any one thing to become a true starter.

11 - Miroslav Holinka

It was all “veni vidi vici” for Holinka this past winter, who had a successful first WHL season (save for the playoffs) and an upstart WJC before signing his ELC with Toronto this past July. Having made a quick transition to his new surroundings, Holinka brings a solid frame, a multifaceted toolbox, and some natural athleticism to the table. Although a loan-out to a European club isn’t out of the question, Holinka’s versatility and defensive acumen indicate he’s AHL-ready.

12 - Victor Johansson

Slight in frame but big on competitiveness, Johansson comes from a true hockey family. Not only was his dad a long-time pro in Sweden, but his older brothers Simon (Minnesota) and Anton (Detroit) were also NHL draft picks. Oh, and Alex Wennberg (SJS) is a direct cousin. Johansson is coming off a very promising U20 season in Sweden that culminate in 2:13 minutes of SHL action. We’re looking for more pro reps and a WJC push this winter.

13 - William Belle

We had the Minnesota native who is on his way to Notre Dame this fall ranked 121st overall this past summer, ahead of where he went at 137. And sure, we weren’t happy to see him fall down the ranks at the USNTDP (didn’t make the U18 Worlds roster either), but we know Belle’s quite the competitor who can be a wrecking ball of a player. Toronto can bide its time as Belle proves he’s got more to show.

14 - Cade Webber

Very large defensive defencemen - which Webber very much is - take time to develop and Cade has indeed been biding his time to date. Unspectacular with a yeoman style game, the Pennsylvania native understands his role and what is expected of him. Acquired for a sixth-round draft pick from Carolina shortly before becoming a UFA, Webber had a solid, progress-filled first season of AHL play and could be a depth option on the blueline for the Leafs as soon as this winter.

15 - Borya Valis

Valis is a Colorado native who was signed to an ELC this past spring as a WHL free agent. Four successive seasons there were topped off by a breakout offensive campaign in which Valis showed himself to be very adept at getting pucks to the net, driving them there himself whenever possible. He’ll kick off his pro career looking to work on many aspects of his game and it’s up to him to turn himself into an NHL option.

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

Sat, 17 May 2025 14:15:06 +0000

MONTREAL, QC - SEPTEMBER 28: Easton Cowan (53) of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates during the third period of the NHL pre-season game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens on Sept 28, 2024, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC(Photo by Vincent Ethier/Icon Sportswire)

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Toronto 25 Prospects

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #24

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 19:04:34 +0000

Top 20 Toronto Maple Leaf Prospects

1. Matthew Knies

The Maple Leafs used the 57th selection in 2021 on Knies after he spent two seasons with the USHL’s Tri-City Storm. He then jumped up to the NCAA with the University of Minnesota and quickly became one of the biggest topics of conversation in the prospect world as he contributed a point-per-game as a freshman. His efforts were rewarded by USA Hockey, as the teenager was added to the American rosters for both the Olympics and the World Juniors, and Knies performed admirably in both tournaments. He looked even better last season, being named the Big Ten Player of the Year and a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. The Maple Leafs rewarded him with an entry-level contract and a call-up to the big club just in time to make a mark on the NHL postseason. He is on his way to becoming a reliable, two-way, second-line winger thanks to his size, strength, ability to steal pucks, break up passes, and find or create open space in the offensive zone.

2. Nick Robertson

Ever since Robertson was drafted in the second round in 2019, he has seemed on the edge of breaking into the NHL lineup full-time. In his DY+1, he had 55 goals in just 46 games with the Peterborough Petes, leading the OHL in goals and being named CHL Sportsman of the Year. The Maple Leafs called him up for the playoffs, to end the year, and he looked poised to stick. Unfortunately, myriad injuries have plagued him and he has three-straight injury-plagued seasons spent bouncing between the AHL and NHL. He’s too good for the AHL but can’t seem to stick in the NHL just yet. When healthy, Robertson is a highly energetic forward with an excellent shot. He’s extremely hard on pucks and seems to always be in the mix. He has the potential to join Knies in the Maple Leafs' top six as a focus of the team’s offense, if he can only stay healthy.

3. Topi Niemela

Drafted 64th overall in 2020, Niemela was coming off his rookie season in the Liiga, showing off his skill in Finland’s best league. His follow-up campaign was stunted due to Covid, but he managed to shine at the 2021 World Juniors, leading all defenders in goals (two), assists (six), and points (eight) en route to a bronze medal, earning the honor of Best Defenseman in the tournament. Niemela was back with Karpat in 2021-22, taking a big step forward while once again posting a stand-out World Juniors. Last season, under contract with the Leafs, but loaned back to Karpat, he seemed to stall a bit offensively in the Liiga, although he was still impacting the game in nearly every other way. That was enough for the Maple Leafs, who brought him overseas to the AHL to finish his season. An intelligent, calm, mobile defender who moves the puck very well and rarely makes a mistake, he’s well on his way to becoming a middle-paring defender at the highest level.

4. Easton Cowan

One of the top players in last year’s OHL playoffs, Cowan, known as “Cowboy” to his teammates, shot up draft lists late in the year and ended up being one of the surprises of the first round. His late season transformation from complementary piece to primary play driver had many in the industry re-evaluating his upside, including Mckeens. A very well-rounded player, he competes hard physically. He is lightning quick and can play in all situations. He sees the ice well and has great offensive instincts. He has a quick release that gives him scoring potential. Best of all, his puck skill and puck protection ability showed significant growth over the year suggesting that he might just be hitting the tip of the iceberg regarding his potential. There’s a safe floor here because of his excellent work rate and skating ability. However, under the watchful eyes of the Hunters with the London Knights, Cowan may possess more offensive upside than originally thought, giving him an intriguing ceiling. Next year, London will enter the year as one of the favourites to repeat as Western Conference champions and Cowan will resume his role on the first line.

5. Ty Voit

Despite losing his entire draft year to the pandemic and the OHL-cancelled season, the Maple Leafs bet on what they had already seen in Voit’s rookie season, drafting him in the fifth round in 2021. He responded with 80 and 105-point seasons, respectively including leading the league in assists (81) in the final season, likely his last in the OHL. Voit is an excellent playmaker with great vision and is very light on the ice. There is some worry about his 5- 9”, 150-pound frame and how that will translate to the NHL, but he’ll have plenty of time in the AHL to get comfortable in a more physical league. There’s also some worry about his defensive effort that the AHL coaching staff will need to work on. He has the skill to be a top-six forward, but his shortcomings bring some questions as to whether or not he’ll reach that, especially as his size is not very conducive to bottom six play.

6. Fraser Minten

A recent addition to the Maple Leafs’ system, Minten was drafted 38th overall in 2022 after taking a big step forward in his development with the WHL Kamloops Blazers. He was even better last season as the team’s alternate captain, producing over a point per game. He’s a two-way presence and plays a very smart game. Combined with underrated skill, he’s an exciting asset. Minten is well-rounded and likely won’t be an overly offensive player at the next level, but will be a reliable, dependable piece who could be trusted in big moments with the game on the like. His game is already close to being pro-ready and he likely could make the jump if the Maple Leafs decide he’s ready, although a final WHL campaign is in the cards first. At this point, he’s on his way to becoming an excellent 3C who could move up and see time on the penalty kill.

7. Roni Hirvonen

The Maple Leafs selected Hirvonen out of the Liiga in 2020 second round. He was coming off his rookie season with Assat, and adjusting well from the junior ranks. He has since spent every season in the Liiga, moving to HIFK for the past two seasons, as a productive two-way presence. He also helped Team Finland bronze and silver medals, in the 2021 and 22 WJCs, respectively, serving as the captain in the latter edition. He is a hard-working centreman who grinds to ensure that his team has the puck, consistently jumping into the dirty areas, and often winning puck battles. He is reliable defensively and has a nice level of skill to complement the rest of his game. This skill is especially evident in his quick hands and light feet. Hirvonen’s game looks like it will translate quite seamlessly into a bottom-six role.

8. Nick Abruzzese

After a 2018-19 season leading the USHL in assists (51) and points (80), the Maple Leafs drafted Abruzzese 124th overall. His next step was joining NCAA Harvard, where he was a star as a freshman, being named Ivy-League Rookie of the Year among other accolades. After losing his 2020-21 season to the pandemic, he returned for one final year as the captain, averaging over one point per game, albeit without producing the same level of offense as he had as a freshman. with the season included an appearance for Team USA at the Olympics and an NHL contract, playing nine games with the Maple Leafs. He spent last season with the Toronto Marlies, as one of the team’s most productive players. He’s well on his way to becoming an intelligent, productive bottom nine forward.

9. Nikita Greybonkin

Grebyonkin was selected 135th overall in 2022. He was the alternate captain for MHL Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk, where he had a strong sophomore season. Last season, he took a big step in in his development, making the jump to the KHL on loan to Amur Khabarovsk. He led all rookies in points with 26 in 45 games. The winger is a strong playmaker with the ability to finish as well, although that may be dampened in the NHL. He protects the puck well and has strong awareness in the offensive zone. His defensive efforts are not consistent and his skating has been a concern, although the latter issue should be addressable through good coaching. Grebyonkin is a bit of a project and will take some time to reach his ceiling, but he could become an intriguing depth option.

10. Joseph Woll

As with many netminders, it’s been a long road for Woll - but it looks like it’s paid off. Drafted back out of the USNTDP 62nd overall back in 2016, the team has been patient with him. Woll was a fixture on the Team USA junior team, playing in the Under 17s, Under 18s, and twice at the World Juniors - winning medals in every event. He had a strong collegiate career for Boston College, maintaining great numbers throughout. He jumped to the AHL in 2019-20, and while he struggled out of the gate including a few injury struggles, his 2022-23 season was a coming-out party, dominating in the AHL and receiving regular call-ups to the NHL, including a star turn in the playoffs. He’s a calm, intelligent goaltender and plays an excellent technical game. He looks ready to stick in the NHL.

11. Nick Moldenhauer

Moldenhauer had a strong year in the USHL with Chicago after he deferred his arrival to the University of Michigan until this upcoming year. He has a motor that never stops in the offensive end and he navigates and handles traffic well despite his lack of size.

12. Dennis Hildeby

A massive Swedish netminder, Hildeby had a very good 2022-23 season in the SHL with Farjestad.. This year he will play in the AHL with the Marlies, where he will compete for playing time with the other goalies in the system making their pro debuts.

13. Ryan Tverberg

Through the last two seasons, Tverberg has been a standout at UConn because of his ability to push pace and create offense through his tenacity. He has now turned pro and will play with the Marlies this year. He has a chance to be a quality bottom six option in the future.

14. Alex Steeves

Depending on the health of Nick Robertson, the 12th forward spot in the Leafs’ lineup is probably up for grabs at training camp and Steeves will have a great shot at it after two terrific years with the Marlies. He’s worked hard to improve his skating and can excel in a variety of roles.

15. Artur Akhtiamov

The best goaltender in the VHL last year (Russia’s second league), there is a lot of optimism surrounding Akhtiamov heading into his first pro season in North America. Lightning quick in the crease, he has NHL potential.

16. Mikko Kokkonen

Without question, Kokkonen’s first full pro season in North America was a disappointment as his poor play with the Marlies resulted in a demotion to the ECHL. The former highly touted third round pick will look to get things back on track this year.

17. William Villeneuve

Villeneuve was excellent for the Marlies last year in his first pro season out of the QMJHL. There was some concern that his skating would hinder him as a pro, but that was not evident last year. A competent puck mover, his mobility will need to continue to improve for him to be an NHL’er.

18. Vyacheslav Peksa

With so many netminders signed, the Leafs are expected to loan Peksa back to Europe this season. Peksa still has to refine his athleticism in the crease, working to improve the technical components of his game.

19. Mike Koster

Koster showed considerable improvement in his junior season with Minnesota, emerging as a go-to defender for the Gophers. Returning for a senior year, he should take over as the primary powerplay quarterback on a talented team and his offensive production could jump yet again.

20. Brandon Lisowsky

A lethal shooter who can really fire the puck. Has the ability to score in multiple ways and brings high energy to the offensive zone. Size is the big deterrent currently but he’s working to get stronger on the puck and improve his playmaking ability. He should have a huge draft +2 season for Saskatoon this year.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS – Top 20 Prospects

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 21:42:46 +0000

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 26: Toronto Maple Leafs Left Wing Nicholas Robertson (89) in action during the regular season NHL game between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs on April 26, 2022 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON.(Photo by Gerry Angus/Icon Sportswire)

1 - Nick Robertson LW

Robertson, the 53^rd selection in the 2019 draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs, has landed all over the place on prospect rankings the past couple of seasons. Robertson exploded in his DY-1 season, netting 55 goals and 86 points in 46 OHL games, skyrocketing his value as a prospect. Since then, Robertson has transitioned over to the AHL where he continues to look like a promising prospect when healthy. Unfortunately, he has not been able to stay healthy throughout a full season. In his draft year, he was dealing with wrist and rib injuries, followed by knee injury in the 2020-21 season and lastly the fibula injury he suffered this season. When healthy, Robertson has shown his skill, producing a point per game last season, including 16 goals in 28 games. Robertson is best known for his goal scoring ability, whether at the OHL or AHL level. He has a lethal curl and drag release which he uses to beat goalies. On top of his goal scoring ability, he is tenacious, which is seen in his puck battles and forechecking ability. He has also improved his vision over the past couple of years, opening up his game from only being a one-dimensional scorer to the added threat of being able to set up his linemates. Robertson is coming into training camp this year fighting for a top-nine left wing role for the Maple Leafs and should receive the opportunity if he stays healthy. - ZS

2 - Matthew Knies LW

While it took him until late in the second round of the 2021 NHL draft to hear his name called, Matthew Knies didn’t hesitate in his rise through the Toronto Maple Leafs’ top prospect rankings. Knies had a solid draft year in the USHL but didn’t really garner top prospect consideration until this past season, his freshman year at the University of Minnesota. As a Gopher, he excelled. He quickly became an impact player on a Minnesota team filled with quality prospects, and his strong play earned him looks with USA Hockey’s World Juniors squad and their team for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Knies’ profile as a prospect is a well-balanced mix of throwback power forward style with modern habits and a modern toolbox. Knies’ ever-active motor means he’s always making his presence felt on the ice. He’s physical, highly aggressive, and never one to back down from the dirty areas of the ice. Knies has a great feel for the offensive side of the game and his hands are sneakily good. While his game is built on aggression, he knows when he needs to slow things down and play with the type of finesse and deception required to fool talented NCAA defenders. His physical tools and overall versatility provide safety to his projection, and his intriguing combination of size and skill informs much of its upside. If Knies can learn to round out his game and adjust to the challenges of scoring as a pro player, he can become a valuable top-six winger at the NHL level. - Ethan Hetu

3 - Topi Niemela D

A 3^rd round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2020, going just five picks after Toronto selected fellow Finn Roni Hirvonen, Niemelä is one of the top defensive prospects outside the NHL. While his slight build has long been a concern, Niemelä is so solid in his stickhandling, passing, shooting, and overall puck-management game that size looks like it won’t play a role in his career. Very shifty and adept at avoiding contact while prancing about on the ice, his skating gives him extra opportunities in seeking out defense-splitting passes through the neutral zone or new avenues in getting pucks to the goal from the blueline. Highly adept at faking a slapshot only to hit a teammate perfectly for a one-timer, Niemelä has been a WJC star for two straight tournaments, earning a bronze and a silver in the process. He finished seventh in defenseman scoring in Liiga play last season thanks to a blistering start with 22 points in his first 25 games. A machine in transition and a wizard on the opposition blueline, Niemelä has signed his ELC and is scheduled to play on loan with his hometown Kärpät this season. Although Toronto has plenty of options on the blueline and a number of cap-related issues to tend to, Niemelä is a player they are very much looking forward to bringing into the fold. – CL

4 - Rodion Amirov LW

Rodion Amirov was selected 15th overall by Toronto Maple Leafs in 2020 and had been active at the highest level for the past few seasons with the Salavat Yulayev Ufa team (KHL). Unfortunately, Amirov was diagnosed with brain cancer in February 2022. It stopped him from finishing his last hockey season. However, his treatment in Germany went well and he is back in Russia with a chance at playing this year. Amirov is an intelligent and quick-moving forward who works well in all three zones. He is great on both the backcheck and forecheck. He never gives up on a play and his competitiveness is one of the keys to his success on the ice. A strong skater, Amirov can also push the pace of attack and will look to beat defenders one on one as he drives the net. The full extent of his offensive potential remains a bit of an unknown, however he has the athletic and physical tools to be a high impact player. The wildcard is his health. Recovery is priority number one. If Amirov can get in some games this season in Russia, he should make the jump to North America the following season, given that he is already under contract with the Maple Leafs. - DB

5 - Roni Hirvonen C

Drafted 59th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2020, the 5’9”, 172-pound Hirvonen makes up with skill and heart what he lacks in size. Serving as Finland’s captain at the 2022 WJC, he collected seven points in as many games, helping to guide his team to within inches of a gold medal. Alas, he could only add a silver to the bronze he collected at the 2021 tournament. Calm, collected, and constantly ready to seek a creative route to buy his team more time, Hirvonen isn’t afraid to sacrifice himself to make a play. The WJC performance topped yet another productive season of improvement. After a strong year of Liiga play for Ässat in 20-21, he upped the ante for his new club HIFK, with five more points despite playing eight fewer games, before an even more productive postseason run. A hard worker who takes his defensive duties seriously, Hirvonen has signed his ELC and is scheduled to be loaned back to HIFK where he is all but guaranteed a top six role. With a large entourage of forward prospects in their system, Toronto can provide Hirvonen with all the time he needs although continued progress this season in Finland will almost assuredly see him come to North America for the 23-24 season. - CL

6 - Pontus Holmberg C

Holmberg was selected 156^th overall in the 2018 NHL draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs and has exceeded expectations with his play in the SHL over the past couple seasons. He is a gifted playmaker who combines that ability with strong skating and good offensive awareness to set up his teammates. When Holmberg has the puck, he does not try to overcomplicate things, rather he opts for the simple plays to advance the puck. His awareness and above average skating help him complete many of his transitions, whether it is through a pass or by carrying the puck himself. Since Holmberg was drafted by the Leafs in 2018, he has played almost exclusively in the SHL, improving his point totals each year. In the 2020-21 season, he produced 23 points in 45 games before leading the playoffs in points with 14 in 14 games, helping his Växjö Lakers to earn the SHL championship. Holmberg carried that success into this past season, which he finished with 41 points in 46 games. After his SHL season was over, he came over to North America to play for Toronto’s AHL team, the Marlies, putting up 4 points in 6 games. This upcoming season, Holmberg is expected to have a prominent role with the Marlies and will be a name to watch if the Leafs forward group deals with injuries. The Leafs have had plenty of success in turning late round picks into valuable depth including the likes of Pierre Engvall and Andreas Johnsson. There is no reason why Holmberg can’t follow in their footsteps. - ZS

7 - Nick Abruzzese C

Abruzzese was passed over twice in the draft (2017, 2018) before being selected 124^th by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019. He turned heads in 2019, producing 80 points in 62 games for the Chicago Steel in the USHL, but it wasn’t until his first season with Harvard that fans truly started to remember his name. As a freshman, Abruzzese finished in the top 5 in scoring in all of the NCAA and took home a bunch of honors, including the NCAA Rookie of the Year award. Since his breakout campaign, he has dealt with a hip injury as well as losing his entire sophomore season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When play resumed, Abruzzese continued to show his line-driving playmaking game, producing 24 assists in 28 games, while playing in the Olympics for Team USA and earning an NHL contract, which allowed him to participate in 9 games for the Leafs. Abruzzese’s game truly excels when he is able to slow the game down. He has a strong ability to scan the ice and quickly problem solve using his slick and elusive hands. He needs to work on improving his explosiveness in his skating if he hopes to gain a role in the middle-six in the NHL. Abruzzese hopes to fight for a bottom-six role this year, however, is more likely to end up in a top-six role with the AHL Marlies. When injuries do occur, he is expected to be one of the names the Maple Leafs will call on to fill a depth role throughout the year. - ZS

8 - Fraser Minten C

Trading out of the first round in order to jettison the contract of Petr Mrazek, the Leafs used their early second round selection to take Minten, a competitive two-way center with Kamloops of the WHL. While our Western scouting team was only lukewarm on Minten heading into the draft, there is a safe projection for him as a pro player. He has good size. He is already a decent skater with the chance to become an above average one. He has strong two-way instincts and projects as someone who is tough to play against and who can play a shutdown role. The key will be the development of his offensive skills, in particular his play with the puck. Can Minten develop into a high-end playmaker who can make plays with pace? That remains to be seen. Best case scenario, Minten grows into a quality middle six center who can play in all situations. Worst case scenario, he likely ends up as a fourth line pivot and penalty killing specialist. He will return to Kamloops this season and the hope is that he can cross the point per game plateau while becoming a more consistent offensive threat. - BO

9 - Ty Voit C

The 153rd overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft, Ty Voit looks like great mid-round pick for the Leafs after having a breakout year for on the Sting. Voit had a good rookie season, finishing with 28 points (8G,20A) in 49 games. Unfortunately for Voit, he was forced to miss the 2020-2021 season due to Covid-19. During the 2021-2022 season, Voit was a standout player for the Sting, finishing the year with 80 points (26G,54A) in 67 games, which was 19th in the league for points, 10th in the league for assists and 1st on the team for assists and points. Voit’s best assets are his playmaking and hockey sense. He has the ability to anticipate plays and see passing lanes before they open, making high-danger scoring chances consistently. He can drive play well, but isn’t selfish with the puck, always knowing where his teammates are and being able to execute the perfect pass-through traffic when needed. He’s a threat with the puck and is hard to contain because he’s so shifty and uses deception and his quick hands to beat opponents to get into the slot. Going into the 2022-2023 season, Voit will once again be looked to be a leader both on and off the ice for the Sting. His offensive talent is undeniable, but he also showed strong defensive play as well, which he will look to continue to grow and improve. You could also expect an increase in points. - DK

10 - Alex Steeves C

Steeves went undrafted through his entire period of eligibility for the NHL draft. After a dominant season at the University of Notre Dame in 2020-21, where he produced 32 points in 29 games, he was awarded an entry-level contract by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Steeves wasted no time showing how he can be valuable to the Maple Leafs in the future by finishing third in scoring on the Marlies this past season with 46 points in 58 games. His play with the Marlies earned him a brief opportunity with the Maple Leafs, where he played bottom-six minutes and was able to produce his first NHL point in three games. Steeves has a combination of slick hands while transitioning the puck and a smooth but not overpowering skating stride. He pairs that with a quick pull and drag move to create scoring chances and rebounds for his teammates. While the Maple Leafs forward depth is extensive, it is pretty clear that Steeves will get an opportunity in training camp to earn a bottom-six role with the NHL club. More likely though, he will begin the season in a top-six role for the Marlies again, looking to replicate the strong season he had last year. With the strong possibility of injuries occurring, it may not be long until we see Steeves earn a role with the Maple Leafs and make a more significant impact in the NHL. - ZS

11 - Brandon Lisowsky

A favourite of our Western scouting team, Lisowsky was someone we had ranked much higher heading into the 2022 Draft. He may lack ideal size, but he is ultra quick and has a terrific shot. Improving his consistency and strength will be the key.

12 - Nicholas Moldenhauer

Moldenhauer’s draft season was slowed by injury, but he finished the year strong. He is a very versatile player because of his quickness, tenacity, and skill. It looks like he will play another year with Chicago of the USHL before deciding on an NCAA program to attend. The OHL remains an option too.

13 - Ryan Tverberg

Tverberg was outstanding for UConn as a sophomore last season, emerging as a top scoring threat. He likely settles in as more of a high energy, penalty killing forward at the pro level, but the offensive improvements are encouraging.

14 - Mikhail Abramov

The skilled playmaking center was predictably average in his first pro season with the Marlies. There were bound to be growing pains as he lacked the strength to likely be a difference maker in the AHL. Hopefully gains made to his conditioning and quickness can help him be better in his second year.

15 - Semyon Der-Arguchintsev

SDA is like a further along in development Abramov. Also, a skilled passer, his vision with the puck is his best quality. He too, needs to focus on getting quicker and stronger to become a more consistent offensive threat.

16 - Veeti Miettinen

A speedy offensive winger, Miettinen’s creativity with the puck gives him significant offensive potential. However, he’s been only average with St. Cloud State. His play away from the puck and his strength on it need to improve.

17 - Dmitri Ovchinnikov

After signing the speedy, skilled forward to an ELC this year, the team has agreed to loan him back to the KHL for another year. He will hopefully become a regular with Sibir Novosibirsk before playing with the Marlies the following season.

18 - Erik Kallgren

The former Arizona Coyotes farm hand was thrust into NHL action with Toronto this past season; a second attempt to make it in the North American pro loop. Kallgren was solid enough to show NHL potential and will be in the mix as an injury replacement again this year.

19 - Mikko Kokkonen

There is some concern that the former third round selection’s development has stagnated. A mobile and intelligent puck mover, it is important to get him back playing with the Marlies this season full time to truly assess where he is at.

20 - William Villeneuve

The big right shot defender was a Memorial Cup champion this year with Saint John, and an offensive standout, yet again, in the QMJHL. There are still concerns about his mobility and his projection, but the Leafs should have a better indication of his potential after his first pro season ends this year.

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Toronto Maple Leaves Top 20 Prospects

Rachel Howard — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 22:20:07 +0000

McKeen's Top 20 New York Rangers prospects for the 2020-21 season. You can read an organizational assessment prior to the draft in Ryan Wagman's article found here. Following the draft we provided a review on each teams performance based on our rankings found here.

Nick Robertson, LW (53^rd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

As a draft eligible player, the physically immature Robertson had a tough time being a consistent contributor. This was especially true about his engagement level without the puck. Last year, with improved strength and conditioning, he was able to maintain that high intensity level through every shift. He has become one of the better forecheckers in the OHL, who seemed to force multiple turnovers per game due to his energy and IQ. Stronger on the puck, he also took his goal scoring ability to new heights. His shot is a weapon that can score in so many different ways. He can create his own shooting lanes with deceptive hands cutting through the middle. He can be a triggerman near the dot. His wrist shot release allows him to score from practically anywhere. Kyle Dubas has already stated that Robertson will be given every opportunity to make the Maple Leafs roster next year. However, he will need to improve his top end speed and his strength both on and off the puck in order to be able to play his game at the NHL level. He has the potential to be an impact top 6 player within a few years. – BO

Rodion Amirov, LW (15^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Amirov split his draft year between four distinct levels. The plurality of his games played were in the KHL, although his ice time there was very limited, and he had more ice time in fewer games in the MHL, Russia’s junior league, where he dominated. He demonstrates excellent skating prowess, in terms of power, lateral movement and shiftiness. He also has high end finishing ability. More than a mere offensive force, he has spent time on the penalty kill and uses his stick well defensively. Between his various levels of competition, he has played against strong competition for long enough to have a pretty good picture of who he is and what he can do. Amirov’s puck skills suggest an easy top six outcome in his prime. His hands are quick and soft. He reads the game at an advanced level, enabling him to spot avenues for scoring chances better than most. He doesn’t force plays and tries to keep things simple. He skates well, too, keeping up a healthy pace. The main concern is his underdeveloped frame. Additional muscle would give his skating stride more power while improving his stamina and assist him for puck battles. – RW

Roni Hirvonen, C (59^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

2018-19’s top U17 scorer in Finland’s top junior league and last year’s top scorer among U18 players in Liiga, where he received ample ice time, we know that Hirvonen can produce against older players. He is also a fascinating player to watch. A natural center who has spent extensive time on the wing, he is very comfortable playing up the middle in all three zones. His skating stride is inefficient, yet he gets from A-to-B quickly and plays a dynamic East-West game, spurred on by excellent edge work. On the other hand, there are no concerns about Hirvonen’s puck skills. He can cut slaloms through multiple layers of the defense with ease. Despite being undersized, he drives hard to the net when he has the puck, and when the puck is with a linemate, he installs himself on the lip of the crease creating a nuisance for the netminder. In fact, he has done well at making his presence felt in all facets of the game. I would be surprised if he does not make the Finnish WJC roster as an 18-year-old this year. He isn’t too far away from a productive middle six NHL role. – RW

Topi Niemela, D (64^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

The only 17-year-old blueliner to spend all of last season in Liiga, Niemela earned the trust of his coaches with his mature ability to read the play and his reliability off the puck. While his decision making sometimes betrayed his inexperience, he kept his head up, his feet active, and his gaps tight. A right-handed shot, his hockey IQ trails only his skating ability among his assets. He has great mobility, with a smooth and strong skating stride. He is balanced and moves very well laterally and backwards as well as his straight-ahead speed. His feet keep him in the right place at the right time. Niemela has never been a big goalscorer, but he loves to shoot the puck. He tends to sacrifice some power in order to quicken his release, but the shot are accurate and he generally gets the puck past the initial point coverage. Niemela is also a plus puck mover. His hands are quick and secure, and he is a precise passer. He has a lot of physical maturing in front of him, but projects as an all-situations middle pairing defender who can eat up a lot of minutes. – RW

Filip Hallander, LW (58^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 2)

Hallander, acquired as part of the Kasperi Kapanen trade with Pittsburgh, is coming off a season shortened due to a leg injury. He may not be that flashy, but he has good hands and is incredibly competitiveness and plays with great awareness. He can be creative on the rush, but he still needs to work on his approach when the game is standing still, as he can play impatient. Even so, he is a smart player who reads the forecheck well and seem to know where to position himself to stop an attack. Hallander is useful on both the power play and the penalty kill. On the power play, he is strong around the crease and in the slot and has been compared to Patric Hornqvist in that sense, earning significant minutes on one of the top teams in the SHL last season as a result. He is expected to spend one more season with Lulea before stepping over in 2021-22, by which time, he should be ready. He lacks elite tools but with strong poise, competitiveness, and awareness on the ice combined with the ability to play various roles he is a good bet to be impactful. – JH

Nick Abruzzese, C (124^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 3)

Abruzzese led all freshmen in scoring nationally last season. For his efforts, he was named both the ECAC and the Ivy league Rookie of the Year. He seems set to give the Maple Leafs far more value than they expended with the 2019 fourth-round pick. He has an incredibly calm demeanor, be it on the forecheck or the backcheck. He has excellent vision and can make clean passes without too many turnovers. He was often the player leading the rush although he tended to hang out around the blue line in his defensive zone and trailing on the back check, suggesting he still has work to do on his game away from the puck, although his spot on the Crimson’s first power play unit suggests that his offensive game is doing quite alright. He is a good skater and glides effortlessly up and down the ice. Abruzzese is on the smaller side, but he is not afraid to battle for the puck along the boards. While he can finish, he is fonder of dishing out the puck than of taking the shot himself. His development curve so far suggests that his game is still growing. – JS

Joey Anderson, RW (73^rd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 5 [New Jersey[])

Anderson has had his ups and downs where performance is concerned and adjusting properly to the pace of the NHL game, but remains a highly likely long-term NHLer. He hasn’t yet hit the mark on the little things that turn into bigger things at the higher level. Offensively, he has talent when it comes to getting to the net and finding scoring opportunities. On the other hand, his play on the backend needs to tighten up ever so slightly to be considered for a role with more dynamic players. He will also have to find more grit and an extra gear to reach his ceiling and solidify a spot in Toronto’s crowded NHL roster. Anderson is great at capitalizing on turnovers and recognizing plays before they happen and if he can keep on adding to his hockey IQ and anticipating instead of reacting more often, his path will become clearer. With the NHL experience he already has, he may be ready to stay up with Toronto, who acquired him from New Jersey for Andreas Johnsson, but a little more AHL time could also be beneficial in the long run. - SC

Mikko Kokkonen, D (84^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 4)

Although he was overshadowed by some of the other young defensemen on the Jukurit last year, Kokkonen’s play improved as the season went on. He is an effective distributor of the puck and can start offensive transitions with crisp and accurate long-range passes. He could be a bit more creative with the puck, but he shows poise and good offensive vision. He has a good wrist shot with a quick release and the ability to get pucks through traffic on a regular basis. He reads the game well and his positioning is solid in all three zones. He shows calculated movement as he rarely gets caught out of position. He plays a stable, if unspectacular two-way game, although his skating remains a concern. It is somewhat clunky and lacks explosiveness. He will have to improve his foot speed and lateral mobility as well. On a more positive note, he is sturdy and has good balance. Kokkonen is physically strong for his age and may be closer to a finished product than others of his level. He doesn’t have the highest ceiling, but he could develop into a dependable NHL defenseman on a moderate timetable. - MB

Yegor Korshkov, RW (31^st overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 5)

Korshkov is a good fit as a top Leafs prospect at the moment. Not only is he a big body but he moves well, plays with a strong drive and makes his presence known on the ice. People count his size as one of his top attributes but his ability to carry the puck is actually what allows him such success in the goal scoring department. As a player coming from the KHL, Korshkov had few adjustments to make in order to keep up at top Marlies pace and earn a call up to the Leafs, even scoring in his debut. That being said, Korshkov is a good defensive player, yet he tends to be a little too cautious in his own end and is prone to standing still too long. The only time he seems motivated is when he is breaking out or with the puck on his stick, and he needs to keep in mind that hockey is a two way game and to be a top level player he will have to be good in his own end as well. Aside from that, he is both a physically and mentally mature enough player to find himself with a spot on the Leafs and frankly it would come as little surprise to see him up as an occasional second liner. The future is bright for a player as strong and hard working as Korshkov, with size, skill and a keen eye for playmaking. The Leafs would be smart to try him up more frequently this coming season. - SC

Timothy Liljegren, D (17^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 7)

With Liljegren approaching the end of his entry level contract and his best season in the with the Toronto Marlies yet, he is hopefully proving his worth when it will come to re-signing the first rounder. Although his career has not come without struggles and inconsistencies as well as a severe ankle injury that put him out for a long stretch last season, his turbulent career has proven his durability. Liljegren has grown tremendously over last season and his offensive play has grown even more to the point where he was playing both penalty kill and powerplay. He continues to carry the puck with ease and has improved his scoring chances, and he is no longer afraid to shoot and does well at getting the puck to the net. His weak spots continue to be in his own end and defending one on one during turnovers, where he desperately needs to work on his physicality in order to compete at the next level. He also needs to keep his feet moving and his eyes off the puck. Despite not making the main camp roster, look for Liljegren to show up as a bottom four defenseman should the Leafs call him up again. – SC

Veeti Miettinen, RW (168^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Born only a few days too late to have been eligible for the 2019 draft, Miettinen spent a second full season in Finland’s junior league, once again producing at elite rates, far above one point-per-game, and this time leading the Jr. A SM-liiga altogether. He is a versatile player who proved last year that he can kill penalties in addition to his offensive exploits. Miettinen’s game is well-rounded; He is a strong skater with a dangerous shot, featuring both wrist shots and snap shots. He is a fine stickhandler who utilizes his linemates well and he plays a proactive game off the puck. His primary downside at this juncture is his size. Short and lean, he doesn’t have a physical game to speak of. He is headed to North America next season to play collegiately at St. Cloud State. Because of that path, he will have plenty of time to grow accustomed to the North American game before he turns pro, where he currently projects as a reasonable third line type. – RW

Mac Hollowell, D (118^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 8)

Hollowell has been a pleasant surprise for the organization. Sure he is on the smaller side for a defenseman, measuring up at 5-10”, 170lbs, but can he ever skate. He is a dynamic skater whose smooth strides help him keep space between himself and his opponents and his passing skills help to keep him from entering danger zones with the puck or over carrying it. Hollowell still has a lot left to learn, having just completed his rookie professional season, but with any luck he will be fit to aim for a debut with the big squad next season for a game or two. That being said, once he is physically mature, look for Hollowell to be a bottom four defenseman as he already has the skill to fit in at the NHL level. His work ethic and fearlessness alone will be what helps set him apart from the rest of his defensive cohort. - SC

Filip Kral, D (149^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 9)

Kral is a steady defensive player with limited offensive upside. Last season he has shown more confidence with the puck and better decision making overall which has led to a bit of an offensive outburst. The hard shooting Czech had his best offensive production with his 12 goals and 36 assists as an overage player. He is a good skater who manages his own zone very well. He is a first pass guy but isn’t really a rush-leading defenseman. His vision and passing skills are both fine but he doesn’t ooze offensive skill. Defensively he is sound with a good control of his gaps and spacing in his own zone. He manages the cycle well despite not being an overtly physical player. His production comes from making smart, safe, fundamental hockey plays while on the ice with some lethal offensive weapons such as he had last season with Spokane. Don’t expect him to flash big production at the next level but he could fit nicely into a bottom pairing. - VG

Joseph Woll, G (62^nd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 10)

For a rookie goaltender in the AHL, Woll did fairly well considering the change of pace coming from the NCAA Boston College to the Toronto Marlies. As a younger goaltender he does tend to bite a little early when it comes to dekes but stays strong in two-on-one situations. As a big body, he moves well and his rebound control is good as he stays strong in his crease. The future is still bright though, for Woll, as he has the potential to be a starting goaltender for the Leafs in the future. He still needs to work on playing the puck better and positioning when it comes to finding ways to see past players and find the puck in scrum situations but overall he made a good adjustment to the harder shots and quicker pace of the AHL level. As far as Toronto’s system goes, Woll stands a good chance of seeing starting time in the future but as always keep in mind that goaltenders often take a longer time to develop. – SC

William Villeneuve, D (122^nd overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

One of the top sleepers out of the QMJHL in the 2020 draft class, it may be easy to forget that he was selected second overall in the circuit’s 2018 Entry Draft. Despite his slow start to the current year, Villeneuve was the top scoring defender in the ‘Q’ last year. His game is predicated on solid decision making and finesse. A right-handed shot, he plays with poise at both ends and moves the puck soundly. He is not the most physical defender and needs to add strength in addition to his skating, which holds him back from a higher ranking as his technical efficiency is not quite matched by power or speed. The only CHL player drafted by the Leafs in 2020, He may not have the tools you look for in a power play quarterback, although his shot and puck skills will help him contribute in the offensive end. The overall game will have a chance to play at higher levels. – RW

Adam Brooks, C (92^nd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 11)

Despite being a hard worker and trying to keep a focused attitude, forward Brooks has yet to really differentiate himself from his other Toronto Marlies teammates. He plays a simple game, does well on the penalty kill and keeps attackers to the outside in his own end and there is nothing wrong with that or his skill level. It simply comes down to the fact that Brooks has a good stride, can shoot and plays in a compact way where he does not get in the way and is aggressive enough to win puck battles but the details in his game are the loose ends that he needs to tie up. He does a lot of chasing of the puck and not enough anticipating of the play where he gets sloppy and ends up responsible for turnovers. At this point, Brooks will have to fine tune his game in time for next season or run the risk of becoming a trade commodity if he wants a chance at returning with the Leafs again as a bottom six call up, to say nothing of securing a full-time role. - SC

Semyon Der-Arguchintsev, C (76^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 12)

A skilled playmaker, Der-Arguchintsev had his best season to date in the OHL that saw him finish third in the league in assists with 63. Playing alongside fellow Leafs’ prospect Nick Robertson, SDA (as he is affectionately known) showed some progress physically which helped him to utilize his creativity and puck skill more consistently. However, it is important to note that while Der-Arguchintsev was near the top in total assists, the majority of those were either secondary or powerplay assists. His 18 primary assists at even strength were tied for 21st in the OHL, and his 42 total primary points were tied for 68th in the circuit. Additionally, he saw a shift to the wing later in the year, with his projection as an NHL center looking bleak. Maple Leaf fans will need to be patient with SDA as he continues to mature physically. His upside remains high, but with each passing year, it seems less likely that he reaches it. - BO

Mikhail Abramov, C (115^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 13)

While Abramov’s point totals may not look totally impressive at first glance last season, his 35 goals alone nearly bested any teammate’s point totals. To say Abramov was on an island with Victoriaville last year is more or less accurate; the team took a step back from the previous season and teammate Yegor Serdyuk missed significant time. Despite this, Abramov still put on a clinic as the team’s primary option in terms of offence. He is slight of build but a great skater and confident puckhandler. At 161 pounds, he is hardly a finished product, but he has some potential as a scoring option down the line. It is a commendation to his hockey sense and skating that he can play some center at that size. However, due to his sight build, it is likely scoring lines or bust for the Russian forward. - MS

Pontus Holmberg, LW/C (156^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 14)

Holmberg has shown steady progression as a player since he was drafted in 2018. He is a puck skilled winger with good hockey sense who can make creative plays. He plays a quick-thinking game and controls the puck well. His skating is good, and while he is not the fastest player, he has strong lower body-balance and is quite agile. His production is still inconsistent, and he still takes too many nights off. He is the type of player that can have five brilliant games and then not show up on the scoreboard for ten straight games. He finished the season on a high note though, which hopefully is promising. He has a good wrist shot but has averaged fewer than one shot on goal per game. He has not earned the coaches trust to play top line minutes in the SHL, but he has signed a two-year extension with the team. His NHL projection is long-term, and the 21-year-old will need more time to develop before he can compete for a spot in the NHL. - JH

Ian Scott, G (110^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: UR)

Originally drafted after a statistically awful season in the WHL, Scott had a moderately better one to follow before everything came together in a season for the ages to finish off his junior career, leading his team to a league championship. He was expected to compete for the title of “goalie of the future” with Joseph Woll last year, but a hip problem led to surgery last December, ending his professional debut before he actually suited up in a game. There is a ton of mystery in what happens next for Scott. He is healthy, but the WCHL will not be an option next year as Toronto’s affiliate in Newfoundland will not play this season due to the pandemic, while the organization brought in Alex Stalock and Michael Hutchison to play with Woll in the AHL. Clearly, Scott needs to play. He flashed enough in 2018-19 that a return to that trajectory would make for a great feel-good story of perseverance. Flashes of excellence aside, we don’t really have a way to currently project his ultimate ceiling. - RW

QMJHL: William Villeneuve, D, Saint John (2020)

Mike Sanderson — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 11:28:26 +0000

The Q’s leading point-getter among blueliners, William Villeneuve has been a bit overshadowed by his free-wheeling partner Jérémie Poirier in his junior career so far. Villeneuve allowed Poirier to take much of the reins in terms of handling the puck on the pairing and Poirier’s confidence with the puck is what allowed him to wow in the eyes of scouts. Villeneuve was the top defenceman picked in the 2018 QMJHL Draft, ahead of Poirier, for his two-way potential and his acumen on the blueline.

One would like to see him have more confidence, in particular from the point, to shoot more and to be more assertive both with and without the puck. A common desire for Villeneuve is to add bulk, because his style of play would be better suited at 190 pounds or more, rather than the 163 he currently plays at. A bigger body would allow him to win more battles along the boards and off the rush, allow him to protect the puck more effectively with his body, and fuel more confidence in his overall game.

Villeneuve could be a solid finesse blueliner at the pro level, using his skating and his size, with some bulk added, to be a good positional defender with a great stick who can contribute strong offensive numbers from the back end.

William Villeneuve	Eligible 2020 Draft
Position: D, Shoots R	H/W: 6-1", 163 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-PTS-PIM)	Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL (64-9-49-58-50)

Skating: Villeneuve is a plus-skater with great mobility, and it is a testament to his hockey sense that he does not need to use it as much as others. While his stride is not the prettiest, it gets him where he needs to go with speed. He is equally strong skating backwards as forwards, and is able to keep the play in front of him with good gaps. With some more meat on the bones, Villeneuve will become an even better skater as that will improve his raw stride power. Grade: 55

Shot: Villeneuve is deceptively one of the better shooters from the blueline, and it forces the defending forwards to defend him honestly. He has both a very good slapper and a very good wrister that can cut through traffic. Even with 162 shots last season, one might want to see Villeneuve use his shot a bit more and open up rebound and screening opportunities. Grade: 55

Skills: Villeneuve has a solid first pass and likes to move the puck up ice. He does not handle the puck much until the offensive zone, and prefers to dish off in stride rather than rush the puck, but he can hit teammates outside the defensive zone on a breakout with ease. On the point, Villeneuve can rely on his shot to keep defenders honest and can draw a defender in with a quick move to change angles and open up lanes for him. He protects the puck very well in his handling and rarely gives the puck away from his stickhandling. His stick defensively is very solid and he can stick check strongly from a defensive position. Grade: 55

Smarts: Villeneuve reads the offensive zone very well and can change the outlook of a play with a quick move to keep a defender off-balance. He would be better served with more confidence on the blue line in particular, as he could filter and control more of the offence if he wanted to. He prefers to move the puck quickly rather than hold it for too long, but he has the puck handling skills. He is smart enough to know when to pinch and swift enough to cover for mistakes. He is more aggressive in maintaining a close gap rather than collapsing to the net defensively, which will better serve him when he gets bigger. Grade: 50

Physicality: This area of Villeneuve’s game will improve as he gets bigger and stronger, but right now, physical play is not in Villeneuve’s toolbox. With his frame right now, it is unlikely he will become a bruiser at any point in his career. He does not shy away from physical contact however, and does play in high-traffic areas, but he struggles against bigger players right now. Grade: 45

Overall Future Projection (OFP): 52

A note on the 20-80 scale used above. We look at five attributes (skating, shooting, puck skills, hockey IQ and physicality) for skaters and six for goalies (athleticism/quickness, compete/temperament, vision/play reading, technique/style, rebound control and puck handling). Each individual attribute is graded along the 20-80 scales, which includes half-grades. The idea is that a projection of 50 in a given attribute meant that our observer believed that the player could get to roughly NHL average at that attribute at maturity.

2020 NHL Draft: Analysts Choice for Top Sleepers Around the World

Brock Otten — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 11:24:10 +0000

While the status of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft remains unclear in the current world climate, we at McKeen’s Hockey continue to bring you detailed and engrossing features that focus on the players available.

By now, most draft followers and fans are familiar with the top end players available. The names of Alexis Lafreniere, Quinton Byfield, Lucas Raymond, and many other potential first round selections have received significant attention, including in-depth scouting reports on this platform. But what about potential sleepers; the players available who could go relatively high but are failing to receive serious hype?

We have polled our various analysts around the world and asked them to provide us with their favorite personal “sleeper.” The definition applied here being, “a player said analyst feels is being underrated right now, but who could end up as a fairly high NHL draft selection.” In other words, our analysts feel that the players highlighted in this article deserve more of your attention.

Karri Aho - Defense – 6-1”, 180lbs - Ilves U20 (Jr. A SM-liiga)

Analyst: Marco Bombino

One of the younger players available due to a September 6 birth date, Aho played for three different teams this year. He bounced between the U18 and U20 programs with Ilves, in addition to a cup of coffee with KOOVEE in the Mestis league.

Perhaps due to him not playing at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup for Finland, Aho has certainly flown under the radar among draft eligible Finnish defenders this year. With 5 points in 8 games with KOOVEE in a men’s league (the Finnish second division), Aho really caught the attention of some scouts. Although a small sample size, his production there compares favorably to other young strong Finnish defenders like Olli Maatta and Sami Niku.

“Aho is a smooth-skating defenseman with good four-way mobility. Light and nimble on his skates, he has strong edges and pivots well. Love his poise and confidence with the puck as he remains unrattled no matter what situation he's in. A firm, strong passer who can move pucks quickly to the forwards. His defensive game loses nothing, as he uses an active stick and keeps tight gaps, making him an effective defender in the neutral zone and defensive zone. Made significant strides this past season and will continue to get better once his physicality catches up with the rest of his game. The ceiling isn't the highest and he may not play in the NHL for several years, but I think this is a gamble worth taking.” (Bombino)

The Czech Republic Goalkeeper Jan Bednar and Swedens Karl Henriksson during the ice hockey quarter final game in The IIHF U18 World Championship between Sweden and The Czech Republic on April 25 in Örnsköldsvik.
Photo: Jonas Forsberg / BILDBYRÅN

Jan Bednar - Goaltender – 6-4”, 195lbs - HC Banik Sokolov (Czech2)

Analyst: Derek O’Brien

Bednar, along with Soo Greyhounds (OHL) netminder Nick Malik, has been on the scouting map for a few years now. The two had very high expectations coming into the year, but both struggled, despite taking different routes. Malik missed the preseason Hlinka/Gretzky because of injury, giving Bednar the opportunity to be the lone starter. Unfortunately, he struggled at the event and that really set the tone for the rest of his season.

Splitting the year between the Czech Extraliga and the Czech second division, the hulking netminder failed to replicate the strong performance he had in the Extraliga last year. And with the IIHF U18’s cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic; Bednar did not get an opportunity to show scouts that he can play up to his potential. As such, he has seen his draft ranking suffer.

“One of the more curious Czechs available at this year’s draft is goaltender Jan Bednar. As a 16-year-old, Bednar burst onto the scene, winning the Extraliga’s Rookie-of-the-Year award. Positionally sound, mobile, 6-foot-4 and 196 lbs, he was pegged as a future impact goaltender. However, Bednar’s 2019-20 campaign was a disappointment. He only played 13 games in Karlovy Vary, spending most of the year in the second-tier Chance Liga. It’s a shame Bednar didn’t get the chance to redeem himself at the cancelled U18 Worlds. Heading into the season, Bednar was projected to be a second- to fourth-round pick, but that’s dropped a bit as scouts now question his mindset a bit. However, if a team figures he’s still got all the physical tools to be a starting NHL goaltender down the line and he just needs a change of scenery to get him back on the right path, they may take a chance on Bednar.” (O’Brien)

Valentin Demchenko - Right Wing – 6-0”, 175lbs - Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)

Analyst: Benoit Belanger

While his production certainly doesn’t jump off the page at you, the Belarussian winger has done well to open some eyes in his first CHL season. Like a lot of first year imports, Demchenko struggled initially, but by season’s end he was looking quite comfortable in the QMJHL with the Drakkar. His high-end puck skills give him a high offensive upside, which is why NHL teams should have him on their radar heading into the NHL Draft.

On top of playing for Baie-Comeau this year, Demchenko has also suited up for Belarus at the International level. As an underager, Demchenko was part of that U18 team that was able to stay in the main group last year (along with the likes of Vladislav Kolyachonok and Yegeni Oksentyuk). And as a double underager, he was part of the U20 squad that competed at the lower division World Juniors this year (although Belarus failed to advance to the main draw).

“For the choice of a sleeper player in the later rounds, I had a few names in mind. However, the one that came back to me was more "sexy" because of his origin: Belarus. It is not so common to see players from Belarus landing in the QMJHL. The 44th player selected during the last CHL import draft came to Baie-Comeau as a total unknown. It was a season of adaptation for the young winger but the more the season progressed, the more he looked comfortable on the QMJHL ice rinks. He produced 25 of his 34 pts after Christmas and 30% of his shots were generated in the month of February. Demchenko has excellent puck skills, probably his strongest attribute. He has shown his soft hands on multiple occasions, whether by coming alone in front of the goalkeeper or for making a superbly accurate pass. His shot, clapper or wrister, is excellent. He is deceptive and precise. In terms of skating, I like his mobility and the way he uses his edges. He is not the strongest physically, but he has fairly good balance, which allows him to be solid on his skates. He has a good hockey sense and understanding of the game. I would like to see him improve his passing game. Not because he is not a good passer, it's more about the vision. Sure, he still has to mature his entire game. He also needs to start gaining weight, strength and power to his body. If he can add grit and bulk up his game, I remain convinced that he is the kind of player who will have a good progression in the junior ranks. He showed me that he was smart enough to improve his weaknesses and work on those aspects. I would not hesitate to make him one of my choices in the late rounds of the draft.” (Belanger)

Riley Duran - C/RW – 6-1”, 175lbs - Lawrence Academy (USHS-MA)

Analyst: Tom Dorsa

Almost all players drafted out of high school are longer term projects, with NHL teams operating under the assumption that they will need to be patient with them. Duran is exactly that. One of the largest risers in the final NHL Central Scouting rankings (breaking inside the top 100 of North America), the lanky pivot is enticing because of his skating ability and size combination and is tracking towards a potential top 100 selection in 2020. In recent drafts, the Massachusetts prep scene has done very well with the likes of Jayden Struble, John Farinacci, and Jay O’Brien all being selected high. This year, Duran and defender Ian Moore could follow the pattern.

Originally a second-round selection of the Halifax Mooseheads in the QMJHL Draft, Duran has spent the last two seasons at Lawrence Academy (which has alumni such as former Boston Bruin Steve Heinze). He recently signed a tender with Youngstown of the USHL to play there next year before heading to Providence the following season.

“Riley Duran elevated himself 47 spots on the NHL Central Scouting board from the mid-term rankings to the final rankings revealed just weeks ago. Prep school players will generally have a harder time getting on a pro scout’s radar, but Duran has made his presence known over the last few months. The Lawrence Academy forward plays a complete 200-foot game and has the skating ability and physical attributes to carry that kind of playing style into the college ranks, where he will suit up for Providence. His hands are not elite, but his lanky frame gives him solid puck-protection skill with which he can bulldoze to the net for scoring chances. The American prep school ranks are not generally where elite junior players will come from, and so, his game should be taken with a grain of salt. Added to that, he does play a fairly careless, wide open game, and that could be an issue for some coaches. I was expecting a respectable sixth- or seventh-round selection for Duran, but now I would not be surprised to hear his name called in the third or fourth rounds.” (Dorsa)

Max Glotzl - Defense – 6-2”, 200lbs - Kolner EC U20 (DNL U20)

Analyst: Chapin Landvogt

A good sized, left-handed shot defender, Glotzl has emerged as one of the top young defenders in Germany, which has greatly improved their country’s status of a development hotspot as of late. Perhaps overshadowed by the trio of potential first round forwards (Stutzle, Reichel, Peterka), Glotzl is a quality player in his own right.

As an underager, he was a member of the U18 squad that captured the Division A title at last year’s IIHF U18s. This would have allowed Germany to play in the main draw of this year’s now defunct tournament. He played four games against men this year at the DEL and DEL2 levels, and was top 5 in defenseman scoring in the U20 league, in addition to being one of the highest scoring U18 players overall.

“No single player in the German ice hockey scene would have benefited more from the U18 Worlds than Max Glotzl. Blessed with size, athleticism, and a powerful - though not yet particularly quick - stride, Max has been a man among boys for Cologne in Germany's U20 DNL junior league. The highest scoring U18 defenseman in the league, his ability to read the game, maintain a physical presence, and take on a major offensive role for one of the better junior programs in Germany earned him a 2-game look with the big boys in the DEL and another couple of outings with Bad Nauheim in Germany's DEL2.” (Landvogt)

James Hardie of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

James Hardie - Left Wing – 5-11”, 180lbs - Mississauga (OHL)

Analyst: Michael Rand

If you eliminate a stretch of 14 games from mid-October to the end of November, where Hardie struggled (1 goal and 2 assists), his numbers hold up with some of the best in this year’s OHL draft class; 33 goals and 60 points in 45 games. That type of production is similar to the likes of Tyson Foerster and Jacob Perreault, two players widely considered as potential first round selections.

Originally a first-round selection of the Steelheads in the OHL Priority Selection, Hardie improved greatly in his second year in the OHL. The Mississauga Steelheads, a quality young team led by 2019 NHL draft picks Thomas Harley, Cole Schwindt, and Keean Washkurak, had a very strong showing in the second half of the OHL season and Hardie was one of the main reasons for that. He ended up finishing the year as the team’s leader in goals, shots, powerplay goals, game winning goals, and was second in points. Yet, we don’t hear his name very regularly as a potential selection in the first three rounds.

“James Hardie of the Mississauga Steelheads is a super intriguing prospect. Hardie is a player that a few years down the road, could quite possibly look like a steal in the mid to later rounds of the draft. He is a very strong skater and a player that handles the puck quite well. He adds that “bite” component to his game as well, as he does not shy away from engaging in physical contact. With a continuation of honing in on this defensive zone coverage and his play away from the puck, we could be talking about a completely different player come next season. Hardie was a 30-goal scorer and over one point-per-game with the Steelheads this past season and if he continues his offensive abilities and tidies up those details in his game, he could be a force to be reckoned with next season.” (Rand)

Leksand's Emil Heineman during the ice hockey match in SHL between Brynäs and Leksand on March 7, 2020 in Gävle.
Photo: Daniel Eriksson / BILDBYRÅN

Emil Heineman - Left Wing – 6-1”, 185lbs - Leksands IF J20 (SuperElit)

Analyst: Will Scouch

The exhilarating thing about covering junior hockey, prospects, and the draft, is the unpredictability of a player’s development. Look no further than Swedish winger Emil Heineman. The late born 2001 forward was not on the radar at all at this point last year. He was coming off of a season in the SuperElit league where he had a single goal and had not played for Sweden Internationally...ever. Yet here we are discussing Heineman because of the steps forward that he took this year.

In 29 SuperElit games this year, Heineman had 26 goals, by far the best goals per game rate of any player in the league, including some highly ranked prospects like Zion Nybeck. This of course led to a call up to the SHL where he played 11 games and did not look out of place playing against men.

“My work allows me to view and track games almost anywhere in the world, and I can’t just talk about Marat Khusnutdinov forever, so I thought I’d dig for someone still not getting the attention they deserve. Heineman came out of absolutely nowhere this season to become a near goal-per-game player at the Under-20 level for Leksands, earning a callup to the SHL club to play 11 games. Heineman didn’t look out of place in the SHL playing decent minutes and finishing the year as an average possession player on the team, with a -0.83 SAT% relative to Leksands without him on the ice. The question with Heineman is both “What happened” and “Is this just the best year of his career?” Heineman has scored 29 goals in any level of competition over the course of the last five seasons yet scored 26 this year alone. From what I’ve been told, there’s a positional awareness and shot quality that people had not seen prior to this year, and while I’m still somewhat skeptical considering his track record, the data speaks for itself. All of his points at even strength were primary points, he had primary points on 71% of the goals scored with him on the ice at the U20 level, he relinquished under 0.6 even strength goals against all season, a measure 60% better than his team without him on the ice, and he was a clear power play threat on top of everything. He’s a quick and agile scoring winger who is still a bit lanky and could fill out his frame more over time, but I’m of the belief that the guy is legit. He had two points in SHL competition, but in my viewings he could’ve been even better, and I’m fascinated at where his name will be called and by whom at the 2020 NHL Draft.”

Sweden's Anton Johannesson during the ice hockey match in the U16 4-nation tournament between Sweden and Russia on April 15, 2018 in Umeå.
Photo: JOHAN LÖF / BILDBYRÅN

Anton Johannesson - Defense – 5-9”, 155lbs - HV71 J20 (SuperElit)

Analyst: Jimmy Hamrin

Injuries can be a tough thing for players in their draft year, let alone their draft year and the year prior. That was the case for Johannesson who has missed a good chunk of the last two years, including the previous summer’s Hlinka/Gretzky Cup. When you combine injury issues with a smaller frame, this can cause a lower ranking among the scouting community.

However, upon Johannesson’s return towards the end of the 2019 calendar year, fully healthy, he was able to showcase why he has long been considered one of the most skilled blueliners in Sweden among his age group. His 1.20 points per game (across 20 games) in the SuperElit league was considerably better than more hyped Swedish blueliners like Helge Grans (1.00 ppg), Emil Andrae (0.95 ppg), and William Wallinder (0.65 ppg). It would appear that Johannesson would have had a lot to gain from playing at the World U18s, had they actually occurred. Instead, he is a prospect currently flying under the radar.

"Anton Johannesson was under the radar early due to injury issues. After he got back in November, he dominated in the SuperElit scoring 24 points in only 20 games, including 8 goals. Johannesson surely has some red flags in his defensive game and his physicality, but in my opinion, he is the most skilled Swedish defenseman in the draft. He has elite puck skills, a good shot and his offensive hockey IQ is elite. He can control the pace of the game and shows awareness under pressure. He also skates fast with ease and can move around coast-to-coast with the puck. He isn’t ranked particularly high and I can see teams hitting a jackpot picking him as early as late in the first round. His upside is that good." (Hamrin)

Mitchell Miller. Photo by Dan Hickling. Hickling Images

Mitchell Miller - Defense – 5-11”, 195lbs - Tri-City (USHL)

Analyst: Ryan Wagman

Not only was Miller the highest scoring defender at the 2018 Hlinka/Gretzky Cup (for Team USA), but he was also the highest scoring defender at the most recent World Junior A Challenge. The later born 2001 left shot defender uses his strong skating ability to impact the game in all three zones yet finds himself outside of the first two rounds on most scouting lists.

A North Dakota commit, Miller was a standout for the USHL’s Tri-City Storm this year, helping them to finish 4th in the Western Conference. His 33 points helped him finish third in USHL defenseman scoring.

“At this point, I believe that Miller is the top draft eligible defender among the non-USNTDP USHLers, and no one else is particularly close. A true modern-era defender, Miller has great edges, enabling him to stop and change direction on a dime, breaking ankles along the way and his high-end acceleration leads to Miller leading his share of rushes from end to end. A very composed puck mover, Miller combines his puck skills with his skating to present dynamic elements fairly regularly. He has very good vision and is a creative passer. His puck control is high end. He can dangle at top speed to evade the defense as he prepares to attack the home plate area. Between his high-end skating and puck skills and refined hockey sense and instincts, he looks like a potential second pairing defender with some power play time thrown in. He would not look out of place in the second round.” (Wagman)

Tristan Robins. Photo by Steve Hiscock/Saskatoon Blades.

Tristen Robins - Center – 5-10”, 173lbs - Saskatoon (WHL)

Analyst: Vince Gibbons

Robins, a late born 2001 center, used a terrific second half to the WHL season to propel himself up the draft board. He ended up leading the Saskatoon Blades in scoring with 73 points in 62 games this year. However, if you dissect those numbers, you’ll see how good he was in the 2020 calendar year. During that span (27 games), Robins had 22 goals and 23 assists. Those points per game (1.66) and goals per game (0.81) numbers would put him right near the top of the WHL, not just among draft eligible players, but all players.

Buried behind a strong group of centers and forwards (Kirby Dach, Max Gerlach, Gary Haden, Eric Florchuk, Ryan Hughes, Chase Wouters) on a terrific Blades team last year, Robins was given a much larger role this year and flourished. This was especially true after Florchuk was dealt to Vancouver at the beginning of January. Even though the expectation was that Saskatoon would be in a rebuilding year after dealing off veteran players, the one two punch down the middle of captain Chase Wouters and Robins helped the Blades finish the season strong and end the year as a playoff team.

“Tristan Robins is a player that fully embodies the old adage “greater than the sum of his parts.” He doesn't have size, but he isn't small. He is a jack of all trades, master of none sort of player that contributes at both ends of the ice. He has great hockey sense and good offensive instincts. He supports his defense well down low and really excels at carrying the puck out of his own zone. His uptick in production coincides with his move back to Center where he handles his defensive responsibility well despite occasionally being physically overmatched. One of his most notable attributes is his willingness to pass the puck. Seems backwards for a ‘shooter’ but he trusts he will get it back. His game consists of a lot of quick one-two passes or give-and-goes where he creates a couple more inches of space to then release his very good shot. He has a quick release and consistently hits the net. He is a volume shooter who ranks ahead of several first round picks at 3.76 shots per game. His even strength production is also comparable to guys like Zary, Sourdif, Neighbours & McClennon with Jarvis the only one who has created any real separation and yet most of those players are ranked 30-60 spots higher than him.” (Gibbons)

Evan Vierling of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images

Evan Vierling - Center – 6-0”, 165lbs - Barrie (OHL)

Analyst: Brock Otten

A former second overall selection in the OHL Priority Draft, Vierling’s draft season could be termed unsteady. He started the year in Flint but left the team in November for personal reasons. Sitting out nearly two months, Vierling was traded to Barrie where his game flourished closer to home.

Developing terrific chemistry with fellow 2020 draft eligible Tyson Foerster, Vierling put up 34 points in 28 games with the Colts. That is a production clip of 1.21 points per game, which would place him right near Sarnia’s Jacob Perreault, who is universally considered a potential first round selection.

“Towards the end of the season, we really got a glimpse of the real Evan Vierling in Barrie. He had become an impact player, night in and night out. He is a very complete player. He plays the game with power despite needing to bulk up and is very effective in traffic because he shields the puck well, has a high IQ, and possesses high quality hands. Vierling competes hard in all three zones and projects as a middle six, all situations, playmaking center. Once a slight knock on him, his skating has improved considerably this year and is no longer an issue. Had the U18’s occurred, I believe that Vierling would have been an integral part of the team (alongside Foerster) and raised his draft stock above where it currently is. He is definitely someone who closed out the (abrupt) OHL season well.” (Otten)

William Villeneuve - Defense – 6-1”, 165lbs - Saint John (QMJHL)

Analyst: Mike Sanderson

When discussing the top QMJHL players available for the 2020, Villeneuve seems to fall through the cracks despite being a former second overall QMJHL selection, an assistant captain in Saint John, and the leader in defenseman scoring in the QMJHL this year.

His defensive partner Jeremie Poirier receives much more attention. Perhaps that’s due to the fact that Villeneuve is not quite as flashy. Additionally, his skating and strength level are areas that will require improvement. However, his quiet effectiveness and elite IQ should have him closer to his teammate than scouting rankings currently do.

“Honestly, I don't get the wide gap separation between Poirier and Villeneuve, and I've seen them both 40+ times in their junior careers. To me, Villeneuve will be just about as good offensively and won't be that far off defensively. I see Villeneuve, with more experience, as a finesse defender with great positioning and solid stick off the rush consistently. Currently holding Villeneuve back a bit is the need to put on a bit more muscle. From this, his stride will be more powerful and it'll help him out. He's very agile and fleet on his feet, maybe a better technical skater than Poirier. Additionally, he is more calm and mature with the puck than Poirier. He works the line really well, but I'd like to see him play with more confidence, generally. He doesn't take charge that much offensively, but does put up points. Adding more weight would also aid him defensively, as his reads are decent, but he can be beaten wide and lose some physical battles.” (Sanderson)

QMJHL 2019-20 Season Preview: Early returns show parity, competition at top of standings

Mike Sanderson — Sat, 05 Oct 2019 13:01:36 +0000

Sorry, QMJHL friends, but the penthouse is overbooked.

Five teams have won four or more games to start this young 2019-20 season, and all five of those teams are within two points of each other.

The defending champion Rouyn-Noranda Huskies would not likely be anyone’s top pick as the best team for a second year, with all the movement of players this past summer. Missing stalwarts like Joël Teasdale, Félix Bibeau, Rafaël Harvey-Pinard, Peter Abbandonato and, for the moment, Noah Dobson has not slowed the Memorial Cup titleholders this season, as Vincent Marleau is tied for the league lead in points and Tyler Hinam has made huge strides in his game.

Netminder Zachary Emond has lost his first regulation game in over a season this year, but he has been solid with a 5-1 record to lead all goalies in wins.

While one would be remiss to expect that hot play to continue, the Huskies are at the top of the heap once more as the season rumbles into its third week. A repeat of their 59-win season of a year ago seems unlikely, as they will look to maximize return of their remaining current assets for future gains, but they can get the accolades while they are hot.

More expectedly in the Western Conference, the Sherbrooke Phoenix are in second place. The Phoenix boast an older lineup and the league’s top drafted player from last June’s NHL entry draft in Sam Poulin, who is looking to build on a strong first camp with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

His ability to take over a game at the left wing position and shut a team up or shut them down has been chronicled a lot with his strong playoff last season, and the Phoenix are looking to form their team around their captain’s strengths as they look poised to break team records for their best season in franchise history.

Alexis Lafreniere

Out east, the top three teams boast one potential surprise and two predicted top teams – the Rimouski Oceanic, the Cape Breton Eagles and the Charlottetown Islanders.

Rimouski enters the year with the most pressure to salvage results out of this season than any other team in the entirety of the Canadian junior league. They have potential top pick Alexis Lafrenière for this season and likely no more, and will attempt to build a contender around their wunderkind for a third season in a row. Last year, they were swept in the third round, and their regular season results will not matter this year. They have considerable pressure to be a contender this year, or the Lafrenière-led team will be considered a failure.

Lafrenière already has four multi-point games in his five games played so far this season. He has not skipped a beat. They also boast a strong starting goalie in Colten Ellis, and good offensive depth around the prodigal right winger, but their defence corps at this point is worse than last season’s edition, and Serge Beausoleil will feel the pressure to make moves at Christmas time to form a strong unit.

The Eagles are no longer Screaming, but they will provide plenty of emotions for their fans this year in Cape Breton. New ownership, a new coach in Jake Grimes, and a new outlook gives new life to one of the deepest teams in the QMJHL. While the team is lacking in top-end talent, they have plenty to be excited about throughout the lineup in forwards Mathias Laferrière, Shawn Boudrias and the impeccably named Ivan Ivan.

The team is lacking in a top star up front and a top defenceman on the back end, but the market is there for both of those holes, and they have a great goalie in Ottawa prospect Kevin Mandolese. A possible strong defender is still on the shelf, as overager Antoine Crête-Belzile is still recovering from post-concussion symptoms from a knock late last season.

Charlottetown is always in the mix as long as coach Jim Hulton is in the fold, and this season is no exception. The Islanders may not stay in this position all season long, but they have one of the best goalies in the league in Matt Welsh, who can steal games by himself, and a team that always stays committed to the game plan. Xavier Bernard on the back end is no slouch, and neither is the solid pivot Nikita Alexandrov.

The league’s best potential team is just behind the big five in Chicoutimi. The Saguenéens are in the best position to be contenders this season – a good mix of veterans, a very strong young core of Hendrix Lapierre, Théo Rochette and William Dufour, and three first round picks to make moves if they choose.

Of course, since many of their core players will not age out next season, they can choose which year in the next couple they want to load up their team.

If they choose this season, they have captain Harvey-Pinard and Ethan Crossman up front with Memorial Cup experience, an underrated goaltender in Alexis Shank and a solid-if-unspectacular defence group led by Artemi Knyazev. The Sags have a lot going for them this season, and the world is their oyster in terms of what they choose to do.

Another potential contending team is in Moncton, as the Wildcats made a move in the summer to set themselves up for a run this season. They acquired goaltender Olivier Rodrigue to start games for them this season, and the 19-year-old is likely AHL bound after the season. This turns this season into an important one for the Wildcats, who lost Jeremy McKenna and Jonathan Aspirot to pro contracts.

There is a chance they may receive both players back from their pro teams, but even with the veteran boosts, the Wildcats are still missing an impact defender to be a true contender. That blueliner could be Boston Bruins pick Axel Andersson, who is in limbo in Providence, but until he is physically in the uniform, no one knows for sure.

The draft this June will be interesting for another New Brunswick team: the Saint John Sea Dogs. The Dogs are the most polarizing team to predict this season, as they have many young potential stars in their lineup, but their core is still very young. Last season’s youngest team in the CHL is still wet-behind-the-ears, but the talent in undeniable, led by blueliner Jérémie Poirier.

Poirier will lead a defence corps with five 17-year-olds in the fold, including fellow draft prospects William Villeneuve, Joona Lehmus and Charlie Desroches. Up front, Josh Lawrence and Brady Burns return and along with Alex Drover and Dawson Stairs taking important roles, all at 17, they look to be setting themselves up for a bright run. Joshua Roy, the league’s top pick in the Q draft in June, is also on the team, taking a regular shift and having an impact in his first year in the league.

The Sea Dogs could catch lightning in a bottle or could crash and burn in their inexperience, but will provide must watch attention for draft watchers trying to catch the next NHL players from the QMJHL.

Last season’s Memorial Cup hosts in Halifax are not the team they were last season. This year, they are more of a one-line unit than a fleshed out juggernaut, led by forwards Benoît-Olivier Groulx, Raphaël Lavoie and Maxim Trepanier.

Jared McIsaac starts the year on the shelf for a considerable amount of time, leaving potential first rounder Justin Barron as the undisputed number one defender on the unit; a huge boon to his development. It is not the start new head coach Jean-Jacques Daigneault would have hoped for in taking the job, but he could really make a name for himself as a coach if Barron thrives in this environment.

It is expected that the Mooseheads will make some moves for the future during the mid-season trading period in which they kiss any or all of Lavoie, Trepanier, Groulx and McIsaac goodbye, which would dramatically alter the skills of this team in the second half.

Also looking ahead to the future is the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, who saw the fruits of their building labors tumble and sputter in a first-round upset to Moncton last spring. Nathan Légaré and Gabriel Fortier could be available to the highest bidder as the Drakkar hope to begin anew with a new coach in Jon Goyens, who has an excellent record of development at the midget level.

Goyens’s Lac-Saint-Louis teams have a reputation for producing many QMJHL players and pros, including Mike Matheson, Jonathan Drouin, Joe Veleno and Anthony Duclair. The Drakkar will have a chance to rebuild in his image, and he has earned it with his success at the midget level.

Drummondville will also be looking to cast off veterans in favour of younger players, as they hope to look to future years. The for-sale sign is on stars like Xavier Simoneau and Thomas Pelletier, while it has been rumoured that draft hopeful Dawson Mercer already has a new home lined up at Christmas when the trading period opens in late December.

In closing, here is a top-ten of QMJHL prospects to watch this season:

Alexis Lafreniere, Rimouski – his hype precedes him, but he’s absolutely worth it.

Hendrix Lapierre, Chicoutimi – missed some time last year with injury but hoping to make up for lost time.

Justin Barron, Halifax – Dobson-like skater and potential dominator on the back end.

Vasily Ponomarev, Shawinigan – a fitness freak in an optimal position to make things happen with lots of ice time.

Mavrik Bourque, Shawinigan – impressed on an offensive-weak Shawinigan last year with his skills and poise.

Theo Rochette, Chicoutimi – An early season injury sidelines him in a critical year, but will have plenty of opportunities.

Dawson Mercer, Drummondville – do-it-all two-way winger who skates well and can play all situations.

Jérémie Poirier, Saint John – great size and skating ability, is already a top-pairing defender in his draft year.

Lukas Cormier, Charlottetown – undersized, but excellent skater who can always make something happen offensively.

Noah Delémont, Acadie-Bathurst – great skater, great hockey sense and ability to handle minutes, especially internationally.

QMJHL 2018-19 Preview: Voltigeurs, Oceanic early favourites to join Mooseheads at Memorial Cup

Michael Sanderson — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 11:59:22 +0000

There is one certainty in the 2018-19 QMJHL season: the Halifax Mooseheads have already punched their ticket to the 2019 Memorial Cup.

They printed the tickets, in fact.

Halifax is the host for the CHL’s holy grail tournament in May, and the question is, what team joins them at the big dance?

Two teams have revealed themselves to be the cream of the crop, at least on paper at the onset of the season: the Drummondville Voltigeurs and the Rimouski Oceanic.

Benoit Olivier-Groulx

But Halifax may be the best of them all, with a deep lineup throughout, led by forwards Antoine Morand, Benoît-Olivier Groulx, Jordan Maher and draft-eligibles Raphaël Lavoie and Xavier Parent. They only lack a minute-eater on defence, depending on the progression of blueliners Jared McIsaac, a Detroit pick, and Justin Barron, and a consistent starting netminder, though Chicago pick Alexis Gravel has the potential to steal games. The acquisitions of Ostap Safin and Samuel Asselin only further bolster a strong offensive attack for head coach Eric Veilleux’s group.

Drummondville’s true potential will depend on the potential return of forward Maxime Comtois. The bruising two-way forward has turned a great showing at Anaheim’s camp, and some luck with an injury to Corey Perry, into a chance at some real live NHL games that count this season, and if he were to stick in the pros, it would be a big blow to the Volts’ title hopes. The team is deep beyond him, boasting Joe Veleno and Pavel Koltygin up front, NHL-draftees Xavier Bernard and first-rounder Nicolas Beaudin on the back end, and the league’s best goaltender in Olivier Rodrigue defending the cage. Top to bottom, Drummondville is Halifax’s biggest challenger on paper.

Rimouski has the league’s biggest name in Alexis Lafrenière, who still can’t be picked until the 2020 NHL Draft. Lafrenière has already made a name for himself on the international stage, and will be looking to improve on his 80 points from last season. The Oceanic finished third in the league last year, and holding onto that spot is the least of their expectations. Rimouski was upset in the first round last March, and will look to improve on that and go on a deep run. Adding Jimmy Huntington, Cédric Paré and Olivier Garneau to the fold up front provides strong depth to an already formidable group.

Beyond the big three, there are several clubs that could surprise, including offensive juggernauts in Baie-Comeau and Moncton, and wildcard teams like Charlottetown, Cape Breton and Quebec.

Ivan Chekhovich

The Drakkar started very hot out the gate with strong offensive play, including San Jose’s Ivan Chekhovich and Tampa Bay’s Gabriel Fortier among the top scorers. Undrafted forward Yaroslav Alexeyev, acquired from Sherbrooke in the summer, has already made an impact. Xavier Bouchard leads a middling defense corps, and Kyle Jessiman joins Justin Blanchette in a bit of a loaded crease.

The Wildcats have the horses up front to do damage as well. Last season’s shot leader Jeremy McKenna returns along with Mika Cyr, while undrafted forward Anderson MacDonald, tries to show teams he deserved to be picked last June. They shipped netminder Mark Grametbauer to Bathurst, opting instead to go forward with former Drakkar and Armada goalie Francis Leclerc. Their defence needs work, but stalwarts Jonathan Aspirot and Gabriel Sylvestre head the group.

Pierre-Olivier Joseph of the Charlottetown Islanders. Photo courtesy of the QMJHL.

Charlottetown was slept on a lot at the start of last season, but they surprised and made it to the third round, where they were finally knocked out in seven games by the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada. They hope to build momentum from final four finishes the last two seasons, but if they get off to a cold start, they have two of the best players available for trade at Christmas: Arizona first rounder Pierre-Olivier Joseph and netminder Matt Welsh.

Cape Breton is hungry for a winner, and they acquired 40-goal man Mitchell Balmas and defender Antoine Crête-Belzile to jump to contending status. Ottawa goalkeeper Kevin Mandolese looks to grow this season as the clear number one goalie as Jessiman was traded to Baie-Comeau.

Quebec returns with the biggest wild card in the whole league: new/old head coach and general manager Patrick Roy. Patrick is either loved or hated by every QMJHL hockey fan, but there is no denying he brings excitement and intensity to the product. He adds a few wins to any team he coaches, and will do so here. While Roy’s development record isn’t the strongest in the Quebec league, he is responsible for players like Jonathan Marchessault and Logan Shaw. Potential Minnesota signee Dereck Baribeau and Chicago pick Philipp Kurashev, too.

The league has adjusted their divisions and playoff format this season. Instead of three divisions, there are four. The Maritime Division has six teams, while the 12 remaining squads are split up into three four-team groupings.

Playoffs will be conference based with a 1-plays-8 format, but the 16 best teams will make the playoffs – the conferences will be shuffled so the top 16 will be in the post-season no matter what. This method avoids the top seeds breezing through the first round of the playoffs, and it prevents some of the more extreme travel in the early rounds. However, this format can prevent some monumental upsets, much like 14-seed Moncton defeating third-seed Rimouski last year.

Acadie-Bathurst’s storybook season last year resulted in a Memorial Cup championship, but it’s now time to pay the piper for the party. The Titan acquired netminder Mark Grametbauer to provide some stability in goal but have traded away much of the core from last season’s winning squad.

Noah Dobson on Acadie-Bathurst. Photo courtesy of the QMJHL.

One player to watch is still in a Titan uniform – Islanders first rounder Noah Dobson. The performance of the team in the first two months of the season will depend if the watch is on his talent or his future destination at Christmas time. Teams will be lining up for his services when the mid-season trading period opens up, and there aren’t many teams in the league that would refuse the best defenseman in the QMJHL on their roster for a playoff push.

Tough seasons will be ahead for Chicoutimi and Saint John, but those teams have names to look out for in future drafts – namely Josh Lawrence, William Villeneuve and Jeremie Poirier of the Sea Dogs and Hendrix Lapierre and Théo Rochette of the Saguenéens. They are all up for grabs in 2020 or later.

While there is much time between now and June on the Rogers Arena stage in Vancouver, the first name called from the QMJHL is expected to be Halifax’s Raphaël Lavoie. The Chambly, QC, right winger has great size, speed and hands to succeed at a top-line level in the professional game. He potted 30 goals last season, including a remarkable 10 game winners, and added 33 assists in the full slate of 68 games, and added five points in nine playoff contests.

He does an excellent job of using his 6-4” frame to his advantage as leverage in puck protection, and the long reach to keep the puck away from defenders. With added bulk and physical maturity, he already has the fundamentals to be a strong power forward, puck protector and possession player. He also is adept at firing a strong wrist shot off the rush on the left wing, where he can fire on his off-hand side. At his size, it’s no surprise he is a force in front of the net, either.

While he does have some center potential at the next level, he is an early favourite to receive passes on the right, or left, flank from Antoine Morand, who can most definitely dish with the best in the league. Expect those goal numbers to rise, and the attention with it, by the time the weather heats up in 2019.

Other early favourites to be first rounders include forwards Maxim Cajkovic of the Saint John Sea Dogs, Samuel Poulin of the Sherbrooke Phoenix, Jakob Pelletier of the Moncton Wildcats, Valentin Nussbaumer of the Shawinigan Cataractes, and defender Artemi Knyazev of the Chicoutimi Saguenéens.

All but Nussbaumer featured for their respective national teams at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton in August, though Pelletier fractured his wrist at the tourney and missed the first week of the QMJHL season.

Cajkovic is a power forward waiting to blossom. He has tremendous confidence in the offensive zone to let go his big shot, one of the best available in the draft, and the speed and soft hands to give him the space needed to get it off. His speed separates him from the pack, as well. He is a leader on the ice for a young Sea Dogs team and can inspire his team with a big hit or a big goal.

Poulin is the son of former NHLer Patrick Poulin. He has had a hot start to the season with the trigger finger, and he is just as strong making plays as scoring. He already has a pro size at 6-1” and 204 pounds, and is strong along the boards. He plays much like his father; strong along the boards, in the offensive zone, and defensively where his speed and anticipation make him deadly on the backcheck or on the penalty kill.

Pelletier has a motor that doesn’t quit and a nose for the net, even with his currently small frame. He has been an emotional leader for the Moncton Wildcats since his first shift in the league, and he always works hard to the final whistle. His hockey sense is off-the-charts, as well. He is a strong playmaker and a great passer, and finds his way into traffic to shoot his shot.

Nussbaumer holds two advantages over his league-mates in his quest to get drafted – he can play all three forward positions, and he has already played against men in his native Switzerland. He had a 26-game cup of coffee with his hometown team, Biel-Bienne, last season, with five goals and six points. He is a late September birthday, which also gives him an edge in performance, though he would have been a very good 2018 pick if he was eleven days older.

Knyazev is an offensively talented defenseman who can move the puck crisply. He is also strong in his own end. He isn’t the biggest defender but can handle the speed of oncoming forwards very well and steer them where they need to go. His transition game is an instant offensive tool, and he doesn’t give up on plays.

The Halifax Mooseheads also owns the rights to Victoria Grizzlies forward and potential first rounder Alex Newhook, but even the enticement of the Memorial Cup was not enough to convince the St. John’s, Newfoundland, native to make the jump to the QMJHL. He is committed to Boston College for next season.

William Villeneuve – McKeen's Hockey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #27

Toronto Maple Leafs Top-15 Prospects

1 - Easton Cowan

2 - Ben Danford

3 - Tyler Hopkins

4 - Noah Chadwick

5 - Luke Haymes

6 - Tinus Luc Koblar

7 - William Villeneuve

8 - Jacob Quillan

9 - Artur Akhtiamov

10 - Dennis Hildeby

11 - Miroslav Holinka

12 - Victor Johansson

13 - William Belle

14 - Cade Webber

15 - Borya Valis

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #24

Top 20 Toronto Maple Leaf Prospects

1. Matthew Knies

2. Nick Robertson

3. Topi Niemela

4. Easton Cowan

5. Ty Voit

6. Fraser Minten

7. Roni Hirvonen

8. Nick Abruzzese

9. Nikita Greybonkin

10. Joseph Woll

11. Nick Moldenhauer

12. Dennis Hildeby

13. Ryan Tverberg

14. Alex Steeves

15. Artur Akhtiamov

16. Mikko Kokkonen

17. William Villeneuve

18. Vyacheslav Peksa

19. Mike Koster

20. Brandon Lisowsky

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS – Top 20 Prospects

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Toronto Maple Leaves Top 20 Prospects

Nick Robertson, LW (53rd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

Rodion Amirov, LW (15th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Roni Hirvonen, C (59th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Topi Niemela, D (64th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Filip Hallander, LW (58th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 2)

Nick Abruzzese, C (124th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 3)

Joey Anderson, RW (73rd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 5 [New Jersey[])

Mikko Kokkonen, D (84th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 4)

Yegor Korshkov, RW (31st overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 5)

Timothy Liljegren, D (17th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 7)

Veeti Miettinen, RW (168th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Mac Hollowell, D (118th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 8)

Filip Kral, D (149th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 9)

Joseph Woll, G (62nd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 10)

William Villeneuve, D (122nd overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Adam Brooks, C (92nd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 11)

Semyon Der-Arguchintsev, C (76th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 12)

Mikhail Abramov, C (115th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 13)

Pontus Holmberg, LW/C (156th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 14)

Ian Scott, G (110th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: UR)

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

Nick Robertson, LW (53^rd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

Rodion Amirov, LW (15^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Roni Hirvonen, C (59^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Topi Niemela, D (64^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Filip Hallander, LW (58^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 2)

Nick Abruzzese, C (124^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 3)

Joey Anderson, RW (73^rd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 5 [New Jersey[])

Mikko Kokkonen, D (84^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 4)

Yegor Korshkov, RW (31^st overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 5)

Timothy Liljegren, D (17^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 7)

Veeti Miettinen, RW (168^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Mac Hollowell, D (118^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 8)

Filip Kral, D (149^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 9)

Joseph Woll, G (62^nd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 10)

William Villeneuve, D (122^nd overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Adam Brooks, C (92^nd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 11)

Semyon Der-Arguchintsev, C (76^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 12)

Mikhail Abramov, C (115^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 13)

Pontus Holmberg, LW/C (156^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 14)

Ian Scott, G (110^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: UR)