Maple Leafs Prospect Power Rankings: New Top Spot Emerges as Trade Deadline Nears
The latest edition of the Toronto Maple Leafs prospect power rankings for the 2025-26 season has arrived, bringing a fresh look at the organization's developing talent. As the NHL trade deadline looms on Friday, several players are making strong cases for attention with consistent performances over recent weeks.
Goalie Takes Center Stage
Dennis Hildeby has claimed the number one position in the March rankings. The goaltender, drafted in the fourth round in 2022 (122nd overall), has demonstrated NHL-caliber play despite a demotion to the Toronto Marlies. This season, Hildeby has appeared in 19 games with the Leafs, posting a 5-6-4 record, .912 save percentage, and 2.84 goals-against average. With the Marlies, he has played 12 games, recording a 5-3-4 record, .902 save percentage, and 2.43 GAA.
Hildeby has maintained strong form, going 3-1-1 in his last five games and improving his save percentage from .897. While the Marlies compete in a playoff race in the American Hockey League's North Division, Hildeby could receive another opportunity with the Leafs in the coming weeks.
Rising Stars and Trade Implications
In second place is Jacob Quillan, a center signed as a free agent in April 2024. With 38 games played for the Marlies this season, Quillan has tallied 12 goals and 21 assists for 33 points. The 24-year-old, who has five NHL games under his belt, appears ready for extended NHL action. If the Leafs trade forwards before the deadline, Quillan is expected to be recalled for game time.
Ben Danford ranks third among prospects. The defenseman, drafted in the first round in 2024 (31st overall), plays for the Brantford Bulldogs in the Ontario Hockey League. In 37 games this season, Danford has 2 goals and 17 assists for 19 points. Projected over a 68-game season, this pace would yield 35 points, surpassing his career-high of 33 points in 2023-24 with Oshawa. Danford is likely to join the Marlies next season.
Consistent Performers Across Leagues
Miroslav Holinka holds the fourth spot. Drafted in the fifth round in 2024 (151st overall), the center plays for the Edmonton Oil Kings in the Western Hockey League. In 53 games, Holinka has recorded 35 goals and 41 assists for 76 points. Before Wednesday's games, he ranked ninth in WHL scoring, with 14 points in his last 11 games. Notably, he is second in the WHL with 10 game-winning goals and 7 first goals.
In fifth place is Noah Chadwick, a defenseman drafted in the sixth round in 2023 (185th overall). Playing for the Toronto Marlies in the AHL, Chadwick has 4 goals and 14 assists for 18 points in 51 games. In his first full AHL season, he ranks seventh among rookie defensemen in scoring, benefiting from playing alongside veterans like Matt Benning.
Notable Movers and Shakers
William Villeneuve ranks sixth. The defenseman, drafted in the fourth round in 2020 (122nd overall), has 3 goals and 17 assists for 20 points in 46 games with the Marlies. Villeneuve has described this year as physically challenging, with coaches emphasizing simplicity for success.
Tyler Hopkins takes the seventh spot. Drafted in the third round in 2025 (86th overall), the center plays for the Guelph Storm in the OHL. In 54 games, Hopkins has 24 goals and 25 assists for 49 points. Since being acquired from Kingston in late December, he has 24 points in 25 games, including a four-goal game on February 22.
Luke Haymes ranks eighth. Signed as a free agent in March 2025, the center has 14 goals and 10 assists for 24 points in 51 games with the Marlies. Haymes scored another goal on Wednesday, bringing him to 9 goals in an 11-game stretch, including his first pro hat trick last week.
Harry Nansi returns to the rankings in ninth place. Drafted in the fifth round in 2025 (153rd overall), the right winger plays for the Owen Sound Attack in the OHL. In 59 games, Nansi has 13 goals and 39 assists for 52 points. He is currently on an 11-game point streak with 13 points, rebounding from a slump where he had only 5 points in 25 games.
Rounding out the top ten is Nick Moldenhauer. Drafted in the third round in 2022 (95th overall), the right winger plays for the University of Michigan in the NCAA. In 34 games, Moldenhauer has 13 goals and 13 assists for 26 points, setting a new career high after scoring 21 points in his freshman season. He now prepares for the Big Ten playoffs with the top-ranked NCAA team.
Looking Ahead
As the trade deadline approaches, these prospects showcase the depth of the Maple Leafs' system. With players like Hildeby, Quillan, and Haymes performing well, the organization has valuable assets both for future development and potential trade discussions. The coming weeks will be crucial as these young athletes continue to push for NHL opportunities.
