When the Toronto Maple Leafs entered the 2025 NHL Draft, they did so without a first-round selection-a move that put extra pressure on their scouting department to find value in the later rounds. Their first pick came at No. 64 overall, the final selection of the second round. With that choice, the Leafs turned to Sweden, selecting center Tinus Luc Koblar from Leksands IF of the Swedish Junior League.
Koblar isn’t a household name-yet-but he’s already turning heads with a blend of size, smarts, and sneaky upside. Standing at 6-foot-3, the 18-year-old brings a physical profile that NHL teams covet down the middle.
He’s not the kind of player who throws thunderous hits or bullies opponents off the puck, but he competes hard and wins his share of battles. His skating is fluid, and there’s a maturity to his game that’s rare for his age.
After a brief two-game stint with Leksands IF in 2023-24, Koblar found his footing the following season. He played 43 games in 2024-25, notching eight goals and 13 assists with a plus-seven rating.
Those 21 points were good for ninth on the team-a solid showing for a 17-year-old in a competitive league. He also shared the ice with fellow Leafs prospect Victor Johansson, a 2024 fourth-rounder, giving Toronto’s front office an extended look at both young players in the same system.
This year, Koblar took another step forward. He began the season with Leksands IF’s U20 squad, picking up an assist in two games before making the jump to the Swedish Hockey League (SHL)-Sweden’s top professional league.
That’s no small leap, especially for a teenager, but Koblar has handled it with poise. Through 37 games, he’s recorded five goals and five assists, tying him for 10th in scoring on a veteran-heavy roster.
Not bad for one of the youngest players in the league.
What stands out is how comfortable he looks playing against men. His size certainly helps, but it’s his hockey IQ that allows him to keep pace.
He reads the game well, positions himself smartly, and doesn’t try to do too much. There’s still room to grow offensively-he’s not a finished product-but the building blocks are there.
Scouts see some late-bloomer potential, especially if he can unlock another gear in the offensive zone.
Internationally, Koblar made his mark in a big way. Representing Norway at the Division 1A World Junior Championship, he posted five goals and five assists in five games, tying for third in overall tournament scoring. His performance helped Norway earn promotion to the top tier for the 2027 World Juniors in Edmonton-a major step for the program and a big opportunity for Koblar to showcase his game on the world stage.
Looking ahead, Koblar is expected to remain with Leksands IF in the SHL for the next couple of seasons, continuing his development in a familiar environment. That’s good news for the Leafs, who can afford to be patient with a player who’s already tracking ahead of schedule.
He’s still a few years away from making noise at the NHL level, but Leafs fans will get their first real taste of what Koblar brings when the World Juniors roll around next year. With his blend of size, skill, and smarts, he’s a prospect worth keeping an eye on. Toronto may have missed out on a first-rounder in 2025, but they might have found second-round value that pays off in a big way down the road.