As the 2025-26 NHL regular season hits the three-month mark, the Toronto Maple Leafs' pipeline of future talent continues to evolve. Our third prospect power rankings of the season reveal a familiar name holding the top spot, while two new players have entered the list, showcasing the organization's developing depth.
Who's In and Who's Out of the Rankings
This ranking focuses on players who have not yet secured a permanent NHL role. Notably absent are forward Easton Cowan and goaltender Dennis Hildeby. Cowan has solidified his place with the big club, scoring five goals and 12 points in 31 games while averaging over 14 minutes of ice time. Hildeby, with a .914 save percentage in 15 games, is entrenched as Joseph Woll's backup while Anthony Stolarz recovers from injury.
The Top 10 Maple Leafs Prospects
1. Ben Danford, Defence, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
The first-round pick from 2024 (31st overall) retains the number one position. Danford recently returned from helping Team Canada win bronze at the World Junior Championship in Minnesota, where he recorded one assist in seven games. With the Bulldogs, he has 16 points in 23 games as he aims for an OHL title.
2. Jacob Quillan, Centre, Toronto Maple Leafs/Toronto Marlies (AHL)
The free-agent signing from April 2024 is currently with the NHL club due to William Nylander's injury. Quillan has played one game in this stint (Dec. 30 vs. New Jersey) and has shown resourcefulness and speed in his limited NHL shifts this season. With the Marlies, he has 23 points in 26 games.
3. Miroslav Holinka, Centre, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
The 2024 fifth-round pick is dominating the Western Hockey League. Holinka leads his team in scoring with 55 points (23 goals, 32 assists) in 34 games and is riding an eight-game point streak with 17 points in that span. He sits third in overall WHL scoring.
4. Artur Akhtyamov, Goaltender, Toronto Marlies (AHL)
Drafted in 2020, Akhtyamov has been on a hot streak, going 6-1 in seven games since early December. He made a brief appearance with the Leafs on December 13, stopping all five shots he faced against Edmonton. For the Marlies, he holds a 12-6-0 record with a .900 save percentage.
5. Victor Johansson, Defence, Oskarshamn IK (Sweden)
A new entry to the rankings, Johansson was part of Sweden's gold-medal-winning team at the World Juniors. The 2024 fourth-round pick appeared in five games during the tournament, including the gold-medal match, though he did not record a shift in the final game. He described the experience as meaning "everything in the world."
6. William Villeneuve, Defence, Toronto Marlies (AHL)
After missing three weeks with mononucleosis, Villeneuve returned to the Marlies lineup on December 20. The 2020 draft pick scored a goal on January 3 and has 13 points in 28 games. A key focus for him will be improving his net-front presence.
7. Noah Chadwick, Defence, Toronto Marlies (AHL)
The AHL rookie has earned the trust of the Marlies coaching staff, playing in all but one game this season. While his minus-11 rating is a team low, the organization values the on-ice learning experience he is gaining.
8. Tyler Hopkins, Centre, Guelph Storm (OHL)
Hopkins returned from a wrist injury just before Christmas and was subsequently traded from the Kingston Frontenacs to the Guelph Storm. The 2025 third-round pick and local product from Campbellville has 27 points in 33 OHL games this season.
9. Tinus-Luc Koblar, Centre, Leksands IF (Swedish Hockey League)
The second new name on the list, Koblar was instrumental in Norway's promotion at the U20 World Championship Division 1 tournament. The 2025 second-round pick was named the tournament's top forward after recording 10 points in five games. He has nine points in 28 SHL games this season.
10. Vyacheslav Peksa, Goaltender, Toronto Marlies (AHL)
Peksa rounds out the top ten. The 2021 draft pick has a 4-4-0 record with the Marlies this season but has struggled with consistency, posting a save percentage over .900 in just one of his last seven appearances.
Looking Ahead for Leafs Prospects
The second half of the season will be crucial for these developing players. For those in junior and European leagues, playoff success and continued individual growth are the targets. For prospects with the AHL's Toronto Marlies, the goal is to push for a call-up and prove they can contribute at the NHL level. The performance of this group will be vital for the Maple Leafs' long-term roster construction and salary cap management.
