With the 158th pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs have added some potential depth to their lineup by selecting Cooper Williams, a 6’1”, 164-pound centerman from the Saskatoon Blades. Williams is set to join the University of North Dakota for the 2026-27 season, a move that could be pivotal for his development.
The Leafs took a bit of time to address their need at center, waiting until their eighth pick to grab Williams. This choice follows their earlier selection of right winger Zach Olsen, also from the Blades, in the third round. While the Leafs might have preferred to strengthen their center position sooner, the draft can be unpredictable, and they’ve now added a promising player to their roster.
Hailing from Calgary, Williams made a name for himself in the WHL as a 16-year-old with an impressive 57-point season over 68 games. This performance earned him a nod as a finalist for the WHL Rookie of the Year in the Eastern Conference and the title of the league’s top rookie in March. Despite these accolades, Williams’ draft stock didn’t soar as expected, largely due to a lack of significant progression this past season.
Williams remains a reliable and responsible center, known for staying above the puck and making smart plays. He’s dependable on special teams and handles high-pressure faceoffs with ease.
However, scouts noted that his game hasn’t evolved much since the previous season, with his point total remaining static at 57 points. The Blades maintained a consistent performance, finishing third in their division both years, and Williams contributed six points in 11 playoff games before their exit in the second round.
One area for growth is Williams’ explosivity and physical presence. At 6’1” but just 164 pounds, he’ll benefit from the strength-building opportunities at the University of North Dakota. This could help him take the next step in his development.
Williams’ pre-draft rankings varied, reflecting differing opinions on his potential. Some ranked him as high as #31, while others placed him at #164. These rankings highlight the mixed views on his current abilities and future prospects.
As for his playing style, Williams is known as an intelligent two-way center. He’s improved defensively since his rookie season and is adept in the faceoff circle.
His ability to steal pucks across all three zones, combined with an active stick and tight pressure, makes him a valuable asset on defense. Williams has also shown growth in his penalty-killing abilities.
Offensively, Williams is a crafty playmaker. While he tends to play from the outside, he occasionally attacks the middle, though not consistently enough yet.
His pass-first mentality can make him predictable, but his hockey sense allows him to find open spaces and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. As he builds strength, establishing himself in more dangerous areas like the slot will be crucial.
In summary, Cooper Williams is a player with solid foundations and the potential to develop into a key asset for the Maple Leafs. With time and the right development path, he could become a significant contributor at the professional level.
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