The Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t exactly stormed out of the gates to start the 2025-26 season, and naturally, that’s sparked some familiar questions about the long-term direction of the franchise. With a core that’s been chasing playoff success for years and a front office that’s already moved on from a few high-end prospects-like Nikita Grebenkin and Fraser Minten-in win-now trades, the spotlight now turns to the next wave.
What’s left in the pipeline? Who’s next in line to make an impact?
Despite parting with some notable names, the Leafs still have a solid group of prospects developing across leagues. Let’s take a closer look at five players who could help shape the next era of Leafs hockey.
Easton Cowan - Forward
If there’s one name Leafs fans should already be familiar with, it’s Easton Cowan. He entered the 2025-26 season as the organization’s top prospect-and he’s already making his presence felt in the NHL.
Cowan is fresh off a lights-out final year with the London Knights, where he posted 69 points in just 46 regular-season games and then absolutely torched the playoffs with 39 points in 17 games. That included 13 goals and 26 assists, leading all scorers and helping London capture the Memorial Cup. That kind of production doesn’t just happen-it’s the mark of a player who rises when the stakes are highest.
Now with the big club, Cowan’s speed, vision, and relentless two-way motor have already started to turn heads. He’s not just surviving-he’s competing.
And while there’s always a chance he could see time with the Marlies if things cool off, his upside and the Leafs’ current roster needs suggest he’ll be sticking around. Long-term, Cowan has the tools to be more than just a depth piece.
If he continues to develop, he could be a natural successor to someone like Mitch Marner in both role and impact.
Ben Danford - Defenseman
Selected 31st overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, Ben Danford is the top blue line prospect in Toronto’s system right now-and for good reason.
At 6-foot-2 and nearly 200 pounds, Danford brings a physical presence that’s paired with smooth skating and a mature defensive game. He posted 25 points in 61 games for the Oshawa Generals last season, but what really sets him apart is his leadership and poise. Oshawa named him captain, and scouts have consistently praised his calm decision-making and steady progression.
Danford may not be the flashiest player, but he’s the kind of reliable, intelligent defender every team needs. If he continues on this trajectory, he projects as a top-four defenseman who can log meaningful minutes in all situations. He’s not NHL-ready just yet, but he’s trending in the right direction-and quickly.
Noah Chadwick - Defenseman
Every once in a while, a late-round pick starts climbing the ranks, and that’s exactly what’s happening with Noah Chadwick. Drafted in the sixth round back in 2023, Chadwick has made a name for himself with a breakout 2024-25 campaign for the Lethbridge Hurricanes in the WHL.
He put up 53 points in 66 games-impressive numbers for any defenseman, let alone one with his size (6-foot-4, 207 pounds). Chadwick’s offensive instincts, especially in transition and puck movement, are what make him stand out. He’s got a knack for making the right read and getting the puck up ice efficiently.
That said, there’s still work to be done. His skating and defensive-zone awareness need refining before he’s ready to take the next step.
But if he can tighten up those areas, there’s real potential here for a bottom-pairing or shutdown role with some offensive upside. Think long-term project, but one worth watching.
Tyler Hopkins - Forward
The youngest name on this list, Tyler Hopkins is more of a long-term investment than an immediate contributor-but the potential is there. Drafted 86th overall in 2025, Hopkins turned in a solid season for the Kingston Frontenacs with 51 points in 67 games.
What’s encouraging isn’t just the production-it’s how he plays. Hopkins has shown strong hockey sense and a commitment to playing a structured, two-way game. That kind of maturity is rare for a player his age and bodes well for his development.
He’s not projected to be a high-end scorer, at least not yet, but there’s a foundation here for a reliable middle-six forward who can chip in offensively and be trusted in key situations. He’ll need time-likely a few more years-to grow into his frame and round out his game, but the Leafs clearly see something in him worth nurturing.
Artur Akhtyamov - Goaltender
Goaltending prospects are always tough to project, but Artur Akhtyamov continues to show flashes that keep him in the conversation. Drafted in the fourth round back in 2020, he’s now with the Marlies and played 26 games last season, posting an 11-8-4 record with a 2.81 GAA and a .901 save percentage-including three shutouts.
Akhtyamov is an athletic, reactive goalie who relies more on quickness and instincts than textbook positioning. When he’s on, he can steal games. But consistency is still a work in progress, and there are areas-like rebound control and situational poise-that need sharpening.
Still, if he can put together a full, stable season in the AHL, Akhtyamov could be in line for a backup role in the NHL. And given the Leafs’ ongoing search for stability in net, don’t rule out the possibility of him getting a real look down the line.
Final Thoughts
The Leafs may be in the thick of another challenging season, but the future isn’t barren. While some top-end prospects have been moved in recent trades, the organization still has a handful of players developing who could become key contributors in the coming years.
From Cowan’s immediate impact to Danford’s steady rise and Chadwick’s intriguing upside, there’s a new wave of talent on the horizon. Add in Hopkins’ long-term potential and Akhtyamov’s promise in net, and it’s clear the Leafs haven’t emptied the cupboard just yet.
The timeline may not be short, but the pieces are there. And if even a couple of these players hit, the next era of Leafs hockey might be closer than it looks.