The Toronto Maple Leafs have a several really good European prospects. Some of them will be challenging for NHL roster spots as early as next season.
The Toronto Maple Leafs may not have any blue-chip, top-of-the-draft prospects, but considering that they haven’t picked high for several years now, their prospect group is pretty solid, and is well regarded.
Kyle Dubas has faced numerous criticisms for his contract negotiations, salary cap and roster management, but almost everyone seems to agree he has made the most of his drafts as the Leafs GM, despite picking low and trading several picks.
Much of the reason that the Leafs have as good of a system as they do, is because of their European prospects.
It is much easier for fans in North America to keep an eye on prospects playing here in the CHL or in the NCAA. Sometimes prospects playing in Europe get forgotten about due to our lack of viewing.
Most of Toronto’s European prospects are still playing in Europe, so most of them have already started their regular season play. The majority of the team’s European prospects play in either the KHL or Liiga (Finnish Elite League).
Some of these prospects you may be familiar with while others not so much. I will be taking a look at six prospects in this article.