Maple Leafs Prospect Power Rankings: Hildeby Holds Top Spot Amid Playoff Push
The Toronto Maple Leafs organization has released its sixth prospect power rankings for the 2025-26 season, offering a detailed look at the future stars shaping the franchise. This monthly feature, a staple at the Toronto Sun and Postmedia, highlights the performances and developments of key players across various leagues.
Goaltender Dennis Hildeby Remains at Number One
Dennis Hildeby, the goaltender drafted in the fourth round in 2022, continues to lead the rankings in April. With the Toronto Maple Leafs, he has played 19 games, recording a .912 save percentage and a 2.84 goals-against average. For the Toronto Marlies in the AHL, his stats include 20 games, an .897 save percentage, and a 2.67 goals-against average.
Hildeby has not appeared with the Leafs since mid-January, as Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz have remained healthy. His recent play with the Marlies has been marked by inconsistency, though a crucial win helped secure a Calder Cup playoff spot. A strong postseason performance would be ideal for his development heading into the summer.
Other Notable Prospects in the Rankings
- Jacob Quillan, Forward: Signed as a free agent in April 2024, Quillan has seen mixed results with the Leafs, averaging 10.5 minutes of ice time per game. While praised for his speed and work ethic, he has struggled offensively, with just three shots on goal in his previous nine games before Wednesday.
- Ben Danford, Defenceman: Drafted in the first round in 2024, Danford plays for the Brantford Bulldogs in the OHL. He was recognized in the OHL coaches poll as the best defensive defenceman and best shot-blocker in the Eastern Conference, despite a suspension for a check from behind.
- Miroslav Holinka, Centre: A fifth-round pick in 2024, Holinka led WHL scorers in the first round with 11 points but could not prevent the Edmonton Oil Kings from being eliminated. Discussions about him joining the Marlies for the rest of the season were ongoing.
- William Villeneuve, Defenceman: Drafted in the fourth round in 2020, Villeneuve has yet to make his NHL debut despite recalls. He had a seven-game point streak from March 11-25 and continues to develop with the Marlies.
- Luke Haymes, Centre: Signed as a free agent in March 2025, Haymes was recalled to practice with the Leafs and is expected to get another opportunity soon, having recorded 13 points in his past 17 games.
- Noah Chadwick, Defenceman: A sixth-round pick in 2023, Chadwick leads Marlies defencemen in games played and contributed two assists in a key win to clinch a playoff spot.
- Artur Akhtyamov, Goaltender: Drafted in the fourth round in 2020, Akhtyamov signed a three-year extension in March, with the deal becoming one-way in the final two years. His performance could be crucial if the Leafs trade a goaltender in the off-season.
- Tyler Hopkins, Centre: A third-round pick in 2025, Hopkins is with the Marlies on an amateur tryout after the Guelph Storm's OHL playoff exit, scoring two goals in his final game.
- Nick Moldenhauer, Right Wing: Drafted in the third round in 2022, Moldenhauer is gaining valuable playoff experience with the University of Michigan in the NCAA Frozen Four.
Playoff Implications and Future Outlook
The Marlies' recent victory to secure a Calder Cup playoff berth underscores the importance of these prospects in the Leafs' long-term strategy. As the postseason approaches, performances from players like Hildeby and others will be closely monitored, with potential promotions to the NHL on the horizon. The organization remains committed to nurturing this talent pool, aiming to build a competitive team for years to come.
