The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to participate in the 2025 Prospect Showdown, held at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. This annual tournament offers a valuable opportunity to assess the organization's future talent. The Maple Leafs will face off against the Ottawa Senators on September 13th and the Montreal Canadiens on September 14th. Toronto Marlies head coach John Gruden and his staff will oversee the team. The 26-man roster comprises 15 forwards, nine defensemen, and two goaltenders, including recent draft picks, signed players, and free agents. Here are seven Maple Leafs prospects to keep a close eye on during the tournament:
Easton Cowan (C): Cowan is the top-ranked prospect and a headliner for the Maple Leafs at the tournament. Fresh off winning the Memorial Cup MVP with the London Knights, the 20-year-old winger has a legitimate shot at making the NHL roster this year, thanks to his scoring touch, tenacity, and hockey intelligence. He is known for rising to the occasion, as demonstrated by his impressive 96 points in 60 OHL playoff games over the past four years. His strong passing, puck-rushing ability, and speed make him a dynamic offensive threat.
Ben Danford (D): The 2024 first-round pick, Ben Danford, headlines the defensive corps. The 19-year-old right-handed defenseman has made a strong impression within the organization. Danford already has significant experience, having played in two consecutive OHL championship series. He is known for his reliability in distributing the puck and his ability to play on both sides of the blue line. Some scouts compare him to Chris Tanev, projecting him as a solid, reliable defenseman in the future.
Artur Akhtyamov (G): Akhtyamov, drafted in the fourth round in 2020, is a highly ranked goalie prospect within the Maple Leafs system. After a strong start in the AHL, his performance became inconsistent, and he will aim to establish himself as a long-term option for Toronto. He is an athletic goalie with quick feet and a willingness to sprawl out to stop pucks. This season, he will likely split time with Dennis Hildeby on the Marlies, with a potential opportunity to earn NHL starts.
Tyler Hopkins (C): A recent draft pick in 2025, Hopkins is a smart, two-way center. Known for his reliability in the defensive zone, Hopkins projects as a support player in the NHL, with the potential to become a third-line center. The team hopes to see him evolve into a more dynamic playmaker. Some scouts were more impressed with Hopkins' mature, flashier game than with Tinus Luc Koblar, the Leafs' top pick in 2025.
Noah Chadwick (D): Chadwick could be a standout at the Prospect Showdown. Drafted in 2023, he is a physical presence on the back end.
Miroslav Holinka (C): Holinka's stock has been rising, with some analysts projecting him as a potential bottom-six forward in the NHL. His two-way game and creative upside make him an exciting prospect.
Borya Valis (F): Valis, who is signed to an NHL contract, had an impressive 81-point season in 2024-25. He could emerge as a dark horse offensive presence for the Maple Leafs in the coming years.
The Prospect Showdown offers these and other players a chance to make a strong impression on the Maple Leafs' scouting staff and coaching staff.
