5 Forward Options for the Maple Leafs with 69th Pick in 2026 NHL Draft

As we inch closer to the 2026 NHL Draft, the talk around potential options for the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to rise as there are plenty of names that stand out and could potentially be game-changing players for the future. The second and third round picks are always important as they have the potential to become hidden gems later on. If the Maple Leafs land on a prospect and they start to see results, it’ll be beneficial. Like what they’re seeing with Tinus Luc Koblar.

I’ve already looked at potential options for the second-round pick as well as defenders that could be on their radar. Now, it’s time for the third-round pick as there are a number of names that could slip from the second-round and the Maple Leafs can swoop in and take advantage. Here are five forward prospects the Maple Leafs should target with the 69^th overall pick. 

Beckett Hamilton, C, Red Deer Rebels (WHL)

I’m a big fan of Beckett Hamilton. He was one of many risers in the second half, jumping from 75^th among North American skaters to 33^rd and his play and production is deserving of it. He just finished under a point per game with 62 in 67 and added another five points in five games in the playoffs before making an impact for Canada at the World U18 Championship. His play alone in the tournament solidified his status as a potential late second or early third-round pick. 

He may be undersized at 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, but he plays a bigger game than what his frame suggests. As we saw in the playoffs with the play of Logan Stankoven, if you have the drive and tenacity to excel, you will get results. Hamilton has just that as he has a strong drive and is constantly buzzing with or without the puck. He has great hands in tight, strong puck protection skills and is always pushing the pace of the game, smothering defenders and forcing mistakes to regain possession. He’s a deceptive playmaker, making strong heads up plays but also has a knack for hoovering around the net to bury second chance opportunities. 

Landon Hafele, C, Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)

Similar to Hamilton, Landon Hafele has a strong motor and is always playing with a high amount of speed and energy. He moved from the NTDP program to Green Bay and saw an increase in production with 42 points in 52 games and ice time as well. He didn’t disappoint as he rose up to the challenge and got results.

Hafele has a great work ethic and is constantly in motion. He’s a very strong skater with great footspeed and agility to create separation but can also cut into the middle from the wing to attack with intent and drive to the net. He always has the inside track with his positioning to win battles and can quickly transition to create rush opportunities. He’s quick, has great hands and strong hockey sense on both sides of the puck. He’s a breakout machine and plays an effective possession game.

Rudolfs Berzkalns, C, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

Latvia is emerging as team that you shouldn’t take lightly at any tournament anymore with the talent that they’ve developed as of late. You really shouldn’t take Rudolfs Berzkalns lightly as he’s an intimidating and physical power forward and player that you would hate to go up against. He had 25 points in 48 games this season and added another 10 points in 16 playoff games as the Lumberjacks fell short of being back-to-back Clark Cup Champions. 

Berzkalns is an absolute force offensively and physically. He has no problem playing that rough style to be aggressive on puck carriers and using his size to his advantage in battles and when he has the puck to attack the middle. He has a powerful one-timer and a strong wrist shot from far but also has the ability to bully his way to the front of the net and bury loose pucks as well. He’s a force offensively but has a sound defensive game as well as he can break up plays and make a big time hit on attackers.  

Zach Olsen, RW, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)

During the Draft Combine, Zach Olsen was also voted as one of the toughest players to go up against along with Berzkalns. The Maple Leafs want players that can compete and be a nightmare to go up against and Olsen does that on a regular basis.

Like Berzkalns, Olsen can have a physical side but still be an effective offensive contributor. He has a strong work ethic and you never see him take a shift off. He is a pest and got under everyone’s skin with a persistent pressure style of play and physicality. He’s constantly forcing turnovers and his quick hands and puck skills makes him a threat in the offensive zone. He’s equal parts playmaker and scorer and is built for big moments where he can help turn the momentum in his team’s favour. 

Beckham Edwards, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)

I was big on Beckham Edwards to start the season, though he kind of cooled down and dropped in the rankings (69^th among North American skaters by Central Scouting) as the season went on. He had 25 goals and 45 points last season, but only matched his point total and saw a dip with his goal scoring with 19. While he saw his stock drop, I feel like the potential is still there as he can be a productive and impactful goal scoring power forward. 

Edwards is dominant and persistent with his puck pursuits and establishing an attack. He does a great job to hound pucks and win battles with his 6-foot-1, 187-pound frame and shows a great amount of compete. He’s relentless when driving to the middle of the ice and he has a quality shot with a great amount of power behind it. He has great hockey sense and awareness defensively to make an impact on both sides of the puck and if he can elevate his production, he could be a valuable third-round pick and possible third line centre.