Maple Leafs’ Top 10 Prospects for 2026-27 Season

The Toronto Maple Leafs prospect system last season was very bare to say the least. Aside from Easton Cowan and Ben Danford, there weren’t any standout names that had big upside. After winning the draft lottery to select Gavin McKenna and a season where some of their prospects took major steps forward with big performances, the Maple Leafs’ system has improved tremendously as a result. 

They may not have the top prospect pool in the league, but it sure is better than being in the bottom part of the league as they have at least a top-15 system with some of the names they have added. From a World Hockey Championship standout to league playoffs, there are a number of names on notice.

I want to give a shoutout to Harry Nansi, Mans Gudmundsson, Victor Johansson and Luke Haymes. While they didn’t make the cut, I still like the upside and where they are heading in terms of their progression. I will get to these names in a later post, but first, here are the top-10 Maple Leafs prospects for the 2026-27 season.

10. Zach Olsen, RW, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)

Call it a hunch, but I thought that Zach Olsen would be a perfect fit for the Maple Leafs. Low and behold, they selected him in the third-round of the 2026 NHL Draft at 73^rd overall.

A leader on the ice, Olsen is an intense power forward that always loves to be a thorn in the opponent’s side, be it on the forecheck and in pursuit or pressuring players to make a mistake. He’s aggressive and competitive, never takes a shift off and is always battling for possession of the puck. He has some skill to boot as he has great hands in tight and a decent shot. He’s a role player and excels in every aspect.

9. Tyler Hopkins, C, Guelph Storm (OHL)

It was a tale of two seasons for Tyler Hopkins. While his production matched when he was with the Kingston Frontenacs (25 points), there was more of an opportunity for him to grow with the Guelph Storm. There was more urgency, pace and his two-way game and playmaking took more of a step forward as he was more dangerous on the offensive side of things. He instantly became a leader and player the team can rely on. 

With the Storm hosting the Memorial Cup this season and a roster that includes, Ryan Roobroeck and 2027 draft-eligible players in Jakko Wycisk and Timothy Kazda, it should be a big season for Hopkins. A hopeful for Team Canada at the World Junior Championship will help as well.

8. Noah Chadwick, LD, Toronto Marlies (AHL)

Chadwick had a respectable first season at the pro level. He had 23 points in 68 games and added another five points in 16 playoff games to help the Toronto Marlies secure the Calder Cup in the American Hockey League.

Chadwick’s composure on the backend really showed this season as he plays a responsible two-way game. He adapted to the pro level very well and continued throughout the season. He didn’t overthink plays as he always plays a simplistic yet effective style on both sides of the puck. He’ll definitely earn more of an important role this season with the Marlies and if he continues to impress, maybe earn a call-up in the future.

7. Ethan MacKenzie, LD, Univ. of North Dakota (NCAA)

Drafting overage prospects does have its benefits. Despite being passed over, if the consistency and the progression shows, then why not take a chance on them. That’s the case for Ethan MacKenzie. Even though he had to wait multiple years to hear his name called, he made it count this season. 

After being one of Canada’s better defenders at the World Junior Championship and scoring 22 goals with the Edmonton Oil Kings, MacKenzie is well worth the bet as the upside is there. He’s a mobile, two-way defender with a strong work ethic and good defensive habits. He’s also a multi-tool defender as he can do it all. He can rush plays, make smart reads in his own end and isn’t afraid to walk in and shoot the puck. Going to North Dakota will certainly help with his development.

6. Alexander Bilecki, LD, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

I was extremely happy when the Maple Leafs selected Alexander Bilecki. His offensive numbers don’t pop off the page as he had 29 points in the regular season, but he elevated his play and numbers to 11 points in 18 games in the playoffs. While he was further down the depth chart as a third pairing defender on an Ontario Hockey League and Memorial Cup Championship team, he was still impactful as a two-way, mobile defender. 

Bilecki does a great job to sneak his way in and join the attack, be it on the rush or on the cycle. He holds the line well, gets pucks on net and moves the puck efficiently. Defensively, he can play with an edge and does a great job to attack puck carriers intently. With the Rangers possibly going through a turnover with their roster, Bilecki is poised for an elevated role for more minutes and responsibilities this season.

5. Miroslav Holinka, C, Toronto Marlies (AHL)

After an impressive breakout season, Miroslav Holinka entered hidden gem territory for the Maple Leafs. He had 80 points during the regular season for the Edmonton Oil Kings in the WHL, but it was his performance during the playoffs that truly stood out where he had seven goals and 11 points. The production was great, but it was his clutch factor in multiple games that garnered a lot of attention. 

When they needed a big goal or play, Holinka stepped up. He had a hat trick in Game 4 and scored the game winning goal in Game 6 to force a Game 7. The shot, offensive awareness and compete every shift was evident and it’s something that continues to bode well for Holinka and the Maple Leafs. He isn’t a player that’ll sit idly by as he will take charge to get the results that he wants. That alone improves his value as a prospect.

4. Tinus Luc Koblar, C, Rogle BK (SHL)

We’re getting to the part of the list where a number of players had strong performances in big moments. Tinus Luc Koblar had a memorable one as he was easily Norway’s best player at the World Hockey Championship, scoring six goals and finishing with nine points en route to a bronze medal and upsetting Canada. 

Already playing against men in the SHL and taking big strides, Koblar was poised to take a big step in one of the top senior tournaments. He went up against some tough competition, including NHLers, and fared very well as a result and that alone would push him further up the list. He was tenacious on the forecheck and in board battles, provided a strong net front presence and attacked the middle well and getting rewarded in the process. His smarts, body positioning and vision to get to the open spaces really stands out as he continues with his development. 

After his performance, how can you not have him in the top-five? Another season in the SHL, will help him take another massive step with his development.

3. Artur Akhtyamov, G, Toronto Marlies (AHL)

Speaking of prospects in big moments, Artur Akhytamov had a playoff MVP performance and was the reason why the Marlies ended up being Calder Cup Champions in the AHL. He finished with a 15-7-0 record while posting a .923 save percentage and a 2.22 goals against average. Those numbers alone are impressive but his overall play and consistency shined. 

Akhtyamov was dialled in every game, showing great confidence, composure and compete in net, making a number of big- time saves during their Cup run. He was aggressive to challenge shooters, showed great athleticism and flexibility in the crease to make a long highlight reel. As a result, his performance instilled the confidence from general manager John Chayka and forced him to move on from Dennis Hildeby as he is now the goalie of the future. With Sergei Bobrovsky to serve as a mentor for when he’s ready, Akhtyamov’s future is very much bright right now.

2. Ben Danford, RD, Toronto Marlies (AHL)

It was an eventful year for Ben Danford. He made an impression during the preseason last season, he went on deep playoff run on a stacked Brantford Bulldogs team. When his season ended, he immediately became a key depth player for the Marlies Championship team. He had 16 points with the Bulldogs in the regular season and when he made the jump to the pro level, he scored his first professional goal and had three points.

Danford’s two-way game and defensive presence showed throughout the season. The calm and steady presence he provides within his own end to shut things down and breakout effectively was noticeable. He was getting into lanes to block shots, playing the body and being a stalwart on the backend whenever he played. Coming into the AHL was a relatively smooth transition for him as he was still in game mode. While there were some lapses and mistakes– which is normal for a young defender– he really showed great composure and bounced back when he needed to.

1. Gavin McKenna, LW Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)

As if there wasn’t any doubt that the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft is the Maple Leafs’ top prospect in the system. It’s going to be a short stay for him on this list as he’ll instantly jump to the NHL this season to make an impact, but he truly makes this prospect pool that much deeper.

McKenna may not be a generational talent, but he is an elite level playmaker and creator. The offensive vision is no doubt the best in his class as he has the highest ceiling given what he could be down the line. He can be so deceptive to draw opponents in, open up lanes and spot seams very well and his creativity and puck skills instantly jump off the page. He’s extremely patient with the puck and when the opportunity to strike presents itself, he’ll take it. He can quickly change the pace of the game to slow it down and strike swiftly to catch opponents off guard. 

All eyes were on him on during development camp and those strengths and offensive vision and creativity were on full display as he stood out. He’ll be joining a Maple Leafs team where he’ll be a focal point on the roster, but not the main go-to player as he gets acclimated in the league.