Roni Hirvonen
The Toronto Maple Leafs drafted Roni Hirvonen in the second round of the 2020 NHL entry draft with the 59th overall pick. The 19-year-old playmaker is primarily a center, but can also play the wing.
Hirvonen will be playing for HIFK in Liiga this season after two season playing for Assat. Last season he recorded six goals and 15 assists for 21 points in 54 games. Due to his play-making style of play, Hirvonen will likely always have more assists than goals.
He is projected to be a middle six forward at the moment, so a second or third line player. We will have to see how well he does on his new team and whether it helps his development or not.
Prediction: NHL ready by 2023-24 season
Pavel Gogolev
After scoring 45 goals and 51 assists for 96 points in 63 games during the 2019-20 season for the Guelph Storm in the OHL, the Toronto Maple Leafs signed the undrafted Pavel Gogolev to a two year AHL deal.
He split his 2020-21 season between playing in Sweden and playing for the Marlies in the AHL. During his time with the Marlies, Gogolev scored six goals and six assists for 12 points in 13 games.
The Toronto Maple Leafs signed Gogolev this off-season to a three year entry level contract (ELC). This season Gogolev will be looking to improve on last season and become a top six forward for the Marlies.
Prediction: NHL ready by 2023-24 season