Maple Leafs Promising Young Prospect Debuts With Massive Night

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Tyler Ball
September 5, 2023 (12:01)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have done a good job of keeping their prospect pool strong while still contending. Players like Matthew Knies, Nick Robertson, and Topi Niemela top the system. Now another Leafs prospect is showing he has the ability to take over a game.

2023 Draft Gem?

The Toronto Maple Leafs only had three picks in the 2023 NHL Draft. They had a first, fifth, and sixth-round pick. In the early part of the season, one of these three players is looking like he could be a steal already.

Sixth-round selection Noah Chadwick played his first action in the WHL preseason since returning. The 6'4" defenseman is mostly known for his solid defense and good skating but he showed he may have some untapped potential. In three inter-squad games, Chadwick went off finishing with 3 goals and 3 assists in 3 games.

If Chadwick can find his offensive game and improve his point output this season he could fly up prospect rankings. Chadwick had 20 points in 67 games. Unlike most other prospects who play 2 full years in junior before they're drafted last season was Chadwick's only season in junior before being drafted.

Maple Leafs Prospect Pool Continues To Grow

With the addition of Noah Chadwick, Easton Cowan, and, Hudson Malinoski in the 2023 NHL Draft the Maple Leafs' prospect pool is alive and well. Players like Matthew Knies and Nick Robertson could potentially graduate to the NHL this upcoming season.

Others like Roni Hirvonen, Nikita Grebyonkin, and Topi Niemela continue to develop. They are likely the next three up that could see playing time with the Leafs. Hirvonen and Grebyonkin of course would need to come over to North America for that to be a reality.

Overall the Maple Leafs prospect pool is in a great spot for a team that has been competing as long as they have. It will be fun to continue following their many valuable prospects throughout the world.