Reporter ranks the current top-10 prospects in the Maple Leafs organization

The Leafs don't exactly have the most decorated or exciting prospect pool in the National Hockey League, but hey -- that's the price of trying to compete for a Stanley Cup. The Leafs have dealt a number of high draft picks in recent years to bring in established veterans and former NHL captains like Nick Foligno and Ryan O'Reilly, but alas, no success came with these moves, aside from 1 single playoff round win in 2022-23.

Still, even with the slew of picks and prospects that they have traded over the years, the Leafs do have some interesting names on Barden's top-10 list.

10. Nicholas Moldenhauer, 20 - C/RW
9. Artur Akhtyamov, 22 - G
8. Noah Chadwick, 19 - LHD
7. Roni Hirvonen, 22 - C/LW
6. Nikita Grebyonkin, 21 - LW/RW
5. Ben Danford, 18 - RHD
4. Dennis Hildeby, 23 - G
3. Topi Niemela, 22 - RHD
2. Fraser Minten, 20 - C
1. Easton Cowan, 19 - C/LW

After a quick glance of this list, the Leafs look to have a good chance at a few solid staggered arrivals over the next few seasons. Among those who are expected to challenge for a roster spot this season are Cowan, Minten and Grebyonkin.

In the next 2 season, we could see Niemela, Hirvonen and Hildeby all push for NHL gigs. A little further down the road, we have Moldenhauer, Chadwick, Danford and Akhtyamov still brewing in the system.

All in all, yes, this list could have been more impressive had Kyle Dubas held onto a few more of his draft picks instead of emptying the cupboard of a large number of high picks, but all-in-all, the Leafs are still positioned decently well.

Source: The Hockey News
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