The Toronto Maple Leafs have a highly touted prospect who has been making waves since his recent AHL debut with the Toronto Marlies.
Centre, Pontus Holmberg, has joined the Marlies after finishing the SHL season with Växjö Lakers HC putting up 41 points in 46 games. Only one player under NHL contract had a better points-per-game percentage in the SHL this season and that was former Toronto Maple Leafs prospect, Max Véronneau, who recently signed with the San Jose Sharks.
Holmberg also had two assists while representing Sweden during the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing this season. (stats from EliteProspects)
In 2021, Holmberg was awarded the Stefan Liv Memorial Trophy as SHL Playoff MVP after Växjö Lakers HC won the SHL Championship. He also won the SHL award for Swedish Forward of the Year last season. His 2020-2021 SHL performance earned Holmberg an entry level contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Pontus Holmberg was drafted in the 6th round (156th overall) by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2018 and could prove to be a valuable low round selection for the franchise.
Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect, Pontus Holmberg, has Explosive Start with the Toronto Marlies
Pontus Holmberg has recorded points in each of his first three games since joining the Toronto Marlies on April 20th, 2022 including two goals.
He has been thrust into the role of top line centre on the Toronto Marlies and seems very comfortable in the position. He’s been given an opportunity to excel at the AHL level, and he has done just that.
I’m excited to see what else Pontus Holmberg can bring to the Toronto Marlies this season and can’t wait to see him at Toronto Maple Leafs training camp next season.
Holmberg is a top caliber prospect for the Leafs as is fellow Marlies teammate, Nick Robertson. Robertson has managed to put up 15 goals and 27 points in 26 games with the Marlies in what can only be described as an extremely unlucky season for the top prospect.
With injuries piling up on the Toronto Maple Leafs and the as of yet scoreless seven game campaign by prospect, Nick Abruzzese, it wouldn’t be surprising to see either Robertson or Holmberg make their way onto the Toronto Maple Leafs roster if more injuries occur this season or into the playoffs.