Hudson Malinoski: A Prospect to Watch for the Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have time on their side when it comes to making a decision about Hudson Malinoski, their 2023 fifth-round draft pick. Selected 153rd overall, Malinoski remains under the Leafs' rights until the summer of 2027, giving them ample opportunity to evaluate his progress.
Malinoski made his mark with the Brooks Bandits in the Alberta Junior Hockey League, where he contributed significantly to their 2022-23 championship run. With 16 goals and 53 assists, he was a key player, finishing fourth on the team in points before moving on to Providence College.
At the collegiate level, Malinoski has continued to showcase his playmaking abilities. In his freshman year with the Friars, he notched nine goals and nine assists, ranking third on the team in points.
His sophomore year saw him elevate his game further, tallying 11 goals and 12 assists over 35 games. This performance tied him for the team lead in goals and placed him second in points, boosting his ranking among Maple Leafs prospects.
This season, Malinoski has faced some challenges, recording 11 goals and three assists in 31 games. Despite this dip, the Friars are thriving, holding a 21-8-2 record and sitting atop the Hockey East Division. Ranked seventh nationally, the team is gearing up for a strong finish with three regular-season games left, offering Malinoski valuable experience in high-stakes situations.
Malinoski's journey is even more remarkable considering a serious injury during his teenage years, which raised concerns about his future in hockey. Overcoming this adversity to compete at the NCAA level is a testament to his resilience and talent.
Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 189 pounds, Malinoski possesses the size and skating skills that could pave his way to the professional ranks. Another year at Providence for his senior season seems likely, providing both him and the Maple Leafs more time to assess his development before any decisions are made about his future with the franchise.
As we keep an eye on Malinoski's progress, the Leafs will be closely watching his evolution, hopeful that he can continue to refine his game and become a valuable asset in the professional realm.