The Toronto Maple Leafs have had a couple of decent drafts in recent years. Those drafts have provided them with a well-rounded prospect pool. In this article, I will focus on the Leafs top five prospects aged 23 and under. However, Matthew Knies (21) will not be included, as he has already established himself as an NHL regular.
The Toronto Maple Leafs rookie camp will take place in September, so we will all find out where these prospects are in their development. Some will get more looks from the Leafs coaching staff and management by participating in the team's main camp and pre-season. If they're lucky, they will earn a few regular-season games.
Last season, Matthew Knies made the Leafs roster out of training camp, and Fraser Minten earned himself four regular season games. Having prospects in your system that are NHL-ready and fighting for a roster spot is a good thing for every team to have. It will be interesting to see who (if any) will make the Leafs roster this season.
The Leafs rookies will be doing something a bit different this year. Instead of taking part in the Traverse City tournament, the Leafs prospects will face off against the Montreal Canadiens prospects in a weekend battle on September 15th and 16th in Montreal at the Bell Centre. What better way is there to signal the beginning of hockey season than to have the prospects from long-time rivals battle through two games? It should be an entertaining weekend for all involved.
Here's a look at the five Leafs prospects to watch this season.