Maple Leafs Prospect Power Rankings: A New Leader Emerges in February
The Toronto Maple Leafs organization has unveiled its fourth prospect power rankings for the 2025-26 season, showcasing a significant shift at the top. Goalie Dennis Hildeby has dethroned defenceman Ben Danford to claim the number one spot, reflecting his impressive development and performance across both the NHL and AHL levels.
Hildeby's Rise to the Top
Drafted in the fourth round in 2022, Hildeby has demonstrated that he is ready for the NHL stage. With the Toronto Maple Leafs, he has posted a .912 save percentage in 19 games, outperforming established netminders Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz. His statistics with the Toronto Marlies include a .897 save percentage in seven appearances. At 24 years old, Hildeby is currently biding his time in the AHL with Stolarz returning from injury, but his future in Toronto appears bright. Speculation about potential goalie trades before the March 6 deadline has surfaced, but insiders suggest that moving Hildeby would be a misstep for the franchise.
Key Prospects in the Rankings
The rankings provide a comprehensive look at the Leafs' pipeline, highlighting players who could impact the team in the coming years. Notably, forward Easton Cowan is excluded from this list as he has spent most of the season with the Leafs, tallying seven goals and ten assists in 43 games before the Winter Olympic break.
- Dennis Hildeby, G, Toronto Marlies – As detailed, his standout play has solidified his position as the top prospect.
- Jacob Quillan, C, Toronto Marlies – Signed as a free agent in April 2024, Quillan has recorded 9 goals and 19 assists in 29 games. Despite praise from coach Craig Berube, he has seen limited NHL ice time, playing just over six minutes in a recent loss to Colorado before being reassigned to the Marlies.
- Ben Danford, D, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL) – The first-round pick from 2024 has 2 goals and 15 assists in 29 games. After representing Canada at the world junior championship and recovering from a lower-body injury, Danford's name has been mentioned in trade rumors, though his focus remains on helping the Bulldogs contend for an OHL title.
- Miroslav Holinka, C, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) – Drafted in the fifth round in 2024, Holinka has amassed 28 goals and 34 assists in 42 games. He is currently sidelined with an undisclosed injury, but his scoring prowess has placed him tenth in WHL scoring.
- William Villeneuve, D, Toronto Marlies (AHL) – Leading Marlies defencemen with 3 goals and 15 assists in 38 games, Villeneuve could see an NHL debut if the Leafs trade veteran blueliners before the deadline.
Rounding Out the Top Ten
The list continues with several promising players who are making strides in their development:
- Victor Johansson, D, Leksands IF (SHL) – After winning gold with Sweden at the world juniors, Johansson has contributed three assists in four SHL games.
- Noah Chadwick, D, Toronto Marlies (AHL) – With 3 goals and 10 assists in 43 games, Chadwick has shown offensive flair from the blue line, recording seven points in his last nine outings.
- Tyler Hopkins, C, Guelph Storm (OHL) – Acquired from Kingston, Hopkins has 16 goals and 19 assists in 42 games, providing consistent production for the Storm.
- Artur Akhtyamov, G, Toronto Marlies (AHL) – Posting a .899 save percentage in 25 games, Akhtyamov's playing time may decrease with Hildeby's return to the AHL.
- Nick Moldenhauer, RW, University of Michigan (NCAA) – In his third season, Moldenhauer has rebounded with 8 goals and 12 assists in 26 games, nearing his career-high point total.
This monthly feature by the Toronto Sun and Postmedia offers in-depth analysis of the Maple Leafs' future stars, emphasizing the organizational depth and potential for growth as the season progresses. With the trade deadline approaching and playoff races heating up, these prospects could play pivotal roles in Toronto's long-term success.
