Toronto Maple Leafs Prospects: Risers and Fallers 2024

Toronto Maple Leafs Prospects: Risers

This past season saw many prospects take impressive steps forward; Whether that be awards won, massive jumps in production, or adapting well to new leagues.

Easton Cowan

Possibly nobody has risen the prospect ranks to such a degree as Easton Cowan has this year. He went from a player that was considered a confusing pick by almost everybody when he was drafted just over a year ago to being award the OHL’s  Most Outstanding Player award and playoff MVP. If we did a redraft of the 2023 Draft, Cowan would be a no doubt top-15 or 20 pick and potentially even higher. He looks set to take a run at making the Leafs’ opening night lineup and could be a legitimate NHL contributor for the team next year. 

Nikita Grebyonkin

Although I have reservations about Grebyonkin making the show this year, the fact that it is even a possibility proves just how far he has come from being a fifth round selection just two years ago. After winning KHL Rookie of the Year in 2023, he took another step in role and production this season en route to a Gagarin Cup victory by his team, Metallurg Magnitogorsk. He went from an impressive 26 points in 52 games split between Metallurg and Amur Khabarovsk to 41 points in 67 games, a difference of 0.5 points-per-game to 0.61 points-per-game.

Topi Niemela

Although I had reservations last season, Niemela was able to not only avoid looking out of place in his first season in North America, but he continued to improve as the season went on. His high hockey IQ was on full display with the Marlies as he was able to produce 39 points in 68 games, leading all defensemen in scoring while showing sound abilities on the defensive side. This season provided a great foundation for the young Finn to hopefully build from in future years, eventually earning a call-up to the big club.

Ryan Tverberg

Tverberg has defied the odds at every level, he went from a relative unknown seventh round pick playing Junior A hockey to now a productive minor league forward. If that is the peak that Tverberg hits, it is a relative success given his draft slot but his current trajectory is aimed much higher.

He racked up a nice 69 points in 85 career NCAA games including back-to-back 30+ point years in his final two seasons. At only 22, he broke onto the scene with the Marlies scoring 32 points in 46 games and was able to become a lethal forward in the teams top-six. His aggressive and pesky style of play makes him a wildcard going forward but for now, he keeps trending upwards.