Toronto Maple Leafs October Prospect Report
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a decent pool of prospects in their system, some of whom are having an incredible start to the 2024-25 season.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a decent pool of prospects in their system, some of whom are having an incredible start to the 2024-25 season. Some are playing in the American Hockey League (AHL), while others are playing junior hockey in North America and overseas.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a few prospects who are close to becoming NHL regulars as early as next season.
One thing that stands out for the Leafs is their prospect depth among all positions. They have goaltending depth with some promising young goaltenders, defensive depth waiting for an NHL opportunity, and forward depth that is scratching the surface.
Fans have already been given a small glimpse of goaltender Dennis Hildeby this season. There could be a few more prospects earning a chance to play with the Leafs this season. However, some of that depends on the health of the Leafs main roster. If the Leafs don't lose any players to long-term injuries, some prospects are less likely to receive a call-up.
Hildeby will be re-joining a Toronto Marlies team that is 5-0-0 to start the AHL season. He stopped 21 of the 23 shots he faced in his first NHL game and helped the Leafs win 4-2 over the New Jersey Devils. Hildeby finished his first NHL game with a 2.02 GAA and a .913 SV%.
He didn't do well against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday, but it proves that he needs more time in the AHL. Now, it's time to strap ourselves in and take a look at some other Leafs prospects doing well so far this season. (All stats from eliteprospects.com)
Easton Cowan
Easton Cowan finished the 2023-24 season with 34 goals and 62 assists for 96 points in 54 games for the OHL's London Knights. He also registered ten goals and 24 assists for 34 points in 18 playoff games. Cowan also registered two points in five games for Team Canada during the World Junior championship.
The 19-year-old had a good rookie tournament and a good preseason with the Leafs, but Leafs GM Brad Treliving and Leafs head coach Craig Berube thought that one more year in the OHL would be best for Cowan's development.
As of Wednesday morning, Cowan has three goals and three assists for six points in five games with the Knights this season.
He is considered to be the Leafs top prospect, so all eyes will be on Cowan throughout the season. The Leafs are expecting to see him dominate the OHL this season and hopefully win a championship after coming so close last season.
Depending on how the London Knights and Maple Leafs do come their respective playoff times in the Spring, Cowan could find himself joining the Leafs in the playoffs if the Leafs require an extra body due to injuries.
Whether he joins the Leafs in the playoffs or not this season, Cowan is expected to make the Leafs main roster next season.
Nikita Grebyonkin
Nikita Grebyonkin registered 19 goals and 22 assists for 41 points in 67 games with the Metallurg Magnitogorsk in the KHL.
This season will be his first in North America. Grebyonkin is a 5th-round draft pick of the Leafs from the 2020 NHL draft. He can play both wing positions and is 6'2, 210 Lbs.
The 21-year-old had a good showing during the Leafs preseason, but with this being his first season in North America, Leafs management thought it would be best for Grebyonkin to begin the season in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies.
He can get accustomed to playing on the smaller North American ice and learn to play how the Leafs expect him to. Leafs head coach Craig Berube seemed to enjoy how Grebyonkin played during the preseason. So, he could earn a call-up this season.
As of Wednesday morning, Grebyonkin has one goal and three assists for four points in five games with the Marlies this season. Playing with the Marlies in the AHL will allow Grebyonkin the opportunity to receive more playing time. He is definitely one of the players I look forward to watching live when I'm at a Marlies game this season.
His size and ability could land Grebyonkin a chance to play some playoff hockey with the Leafs this season, but if he doesn't get that opportunity, I think he has a real shot of making it onto the Leafs main roster next season.
Artur Akhtyamov
Artur Akhtyamov has started his first AHL season with a 3-0-0 record and one shutout. He has stopped 80 of the 83 shots he's faced and has a 1.00 GAA and a .964SV%. It is probably as close to a perfect first introduction to pro hockey in North America as you can get.
The 22-year-old Russian goaltender has had consistent stats similar to this while playing in the KHL and VHL. Those who have watched him for years will not be too surprised by his recent play. Akhtyamov was selected by the Leafs in the fourth round of the 2020 NHL draft with the 106th overall pick.
Joseph Woll is returning to the Leafs main roster, which means that Hildeby will be sent back to the Marlies. With Hildeby, Akhtyamov, and Matt Murray as the Marlies three goaltenders, I think the Marlies are in good hands. However, this will limit how many games Akhtyamov gets unless he is sent down to the ECHL to get more playing time.
It could be a while before we see Akhtyamov playing in the NHL, but he is proof that the Leafs have some goaltending depth that the team and fans can be proud of. Looking ahead to next season, Akhtyamov could be challenging to be the Marlies number-one goaltender. Doing so would earn him plenty of playing time.
Akhtyamov is the Leafs goalie of the future, but that future is not right now. So, Akhtyamov has to keep playing hard in the AHL or ECHL and earn his opportunities. Play well enough and do it consistently and force the Marlies and Leafs to take notice.
Roni Hirvonen
Roni Hirvonen is in his second season with the Toronto Marlies. Last season, he registered seven goals and six assists for 13 points in 37 games. He is looking to stay healthy this season and record some better stats. Hirvonen has two goals and three assists for five points in five games, so he is well on his way to improving over last season.
The Leafs drafted Hirvonen in the second round of the 2020 NHL draft with the 59th overall pick. After being drafted, Hirvonen developed while playing in the Finnish elite league (Liiga).
Last season, he came over to North America to continue his development at the AHL level but suffered an eye injury early in the season. This season is about staying healthy and showing Leafs management a better look at what Hirvonen offers.
From what I've seen, I think Hirvonen has the skill set to become a 25-30 goal scorer for the Marlies this season. He is fun to watch, that's for sure.
There is a chance he could challenge for a roster spot with the Leafs next season if all goes well. However, another season in the AHL next year could also be good depending on where he is in other areas of his development.
A number of prospects doing well with the Marlies are from the Leafs 2020 NHL draft. Soon we could see Hirvonen and the others in the NHL, but for now, they need to continue their development.
Ben Danford
Ben Danford is the Maple Leafs newest first-round pick, chosen 31st overall in the 2024 NHL draft. He is from Madoc, Ontario, which is about two and a half hours east of Toronto, and he grew up as a fan of the Leafs.
Danford registered one goal and 32 assists for 33 points in 64 games last season with the Oshawa Generals of the OHL.
He also recorded four goals and six assists for ten points in 21 playoff games. The 18-year-old, right-shooting defenseman is entering his third season with the Generals, and this season he will have the added responsibility of being team captain. That speaks volumes about his leadership skills, which will benefit him once he turns pro.
There are many things to like about Danford's game. He is a defensive defenseman who moves the puck well. His ability to break up plays and make a good first pass up ice is what helped him register 32 assists last season. He plays well physically but will need to bulk up to have the same impact at the AHL and NHL levels.
Danford plays a complete 200-foot game, is a really good skater, rarely makes mistakes, likes to be physical, and defends well in his own end. He doesn't have any noticeable flaws that would be cause for concern.
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It will be interesting to see how he plays this season with the pressure of being captain. He currently has two assists in eight games.