Alright, Leafs faithful, it’s that time of year again. The leaves might be turning, but our focus is firmly on the future, specifically the frozen battlegrounds of the Bell Centre in Montreal. The 2025 Prospect Showdown is upon us, and while the big club is still a few weeks from lacing them up, this is where the next generation of blue and white heroes will begin to carve their path.
Let’s be real, the Leafs’ prospect pool hasn’t exactly been overflowing with bona fide superstars in recent years. Management knows it, we know it, and they’re working overtime to restock the cupboards. With limited draft capital in 2026, developing the talent they do have is absolutely paramount. So, grab your beverage of choice, because we’re diving deep into the names you need to know heading into this crucial showcase.
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The Bell Centre Beckons: Showdown Specifics
Before we break down the individual talents, let’s get the logistics straight. Our boys will be hitting the ice in Toronto at the Ford Performance Centre on Thursday, Sept. 11, before making the pilgrimage to Montreal on Friday. The actual tournament goes down Sept. 13 and 14.
Who are they squaring off against? The usual suspects: the Ottawa Senators and the Montreal Canadiens. No Winnipeg Jets on the docket for us this year. Here’s the schedule:
- Saturday, Sept. 13, 1:00 p.m. EST: vs. Ottawa Senators
- Sunday, Sept. 14, 3:00 p.m. EST: vs. Montreal Canadiens
Leading the charge for the Leafs will be Marlies coach John Gruden and his staff, guiding a 26-man roster: 15 forwards, nine defenders, and a pair of netminders. This isn’t just a glorified scrimmage; these kids are playing for their futures, whether it’s an NHL roster spot or a significant role with the Marlies.
The Headliner: Cowan’s Quest for the Show
If there’s one name that will be generating the most buzz, it’s undoubtedly Easton Cowan. The 28th overall pick in 2023 is a different beast than the raw talent we saw last year. He’s reportedly shot up to six feet and packed on muscle to 190 pounds, feeling faster, stronger, and brimming with confidence.
And why wouldn’t he be? The kid just torched the OHL in 2024-25 with 29 goals and 69 points in 46 games for the London Knights. Then he decided to put on a playoff clinic, leading the league with 39 points in just 17 outings, guiding the Knights to an OHL championship and earning MVP honours at the Memorial Cup. Talk about a statement season.
Cowan is a competitor through and through. He’s got top-six NHL upside, plays with a responsible defensive edge, and loves to get under the skin of opponents. Last year’s Showdown saw him highly visible, bagging two goals and an assist, playing in all situations. This year, the expectation is even higher. Can he make the big club out of camp? It’s a long shot, but a strong showing here will certainly turn heads, and at the very least, set him up for a prominent role with the Marlies.
Blue Line Hope: Danford and Chadwick
On the backend, keep a close eye on Ben Danford, the 31st overall pick from the 2024 Draft. At 6-foot-2 and 194 pounds, he’s a big, mobile, defensive-minded blueliner who excels at taking away time and space. As captain of the Oshawa Generals, he chipped in with 25 points in 61 games. He’s also a strong candidate for Canada’s 2026 World Junior squad, having participated in the Summer Showcase. He’s headed back to the OHL for this season, but this is an excellent opportunity to see how his game translates against high-level competition.
Then there’s Noah Chadwick, a 2023 sixth-rounder who has quietly become a fascinating prospect. A WHL (East) First All-Star Team member, Chadwick put up 13 goals and 40 assists as captain of the Lethbridge Hurricanes. He’s got outstanding puck-moving skills and has now surpassed 50 points in back-to-back seasons. Listed at 6-foot-4, 201 pounds, he showed improved strength last year but struggled with opponent quickness. This year, he’s Marlies-bound, and if he continues to refine his defensive game, he could be a dark horse call-up option down the line.
Marlies Mainstays and NHL Aspirants
Beyond Cowan, several forwards will be vying for significant attention. Jacob Quillan, an undrafted gem, made his NHL debut last January and followed up with a solid 18 goals and 37 points in 67 games for the Marlies. He’s a versatile, “smooth, cerebral play-driver” who could be in line for an even bigger role with the Marlies and another taste of the big leagues.
Miroslav Holinka, a 2024 fifth-rounder, is a creative two-way forward who consistently produces. With 19 goals and 45 points in 47 WHL games and a top-six role for Czechia at the 2024 World Juniors, he’s another one likely destined for the Marlies this season.
And don’t sleep on Luke Haymes. An undrafted free agent signing, Haymes put up 12 goals in 22 games for Dartmouth College despite an injury, then added six points in nine games with the Marlies on an amateur tryout. He’s a 6-foot-1, 203-pound “grinder and power-based goal scorer” with a tenacious work ethic and excellent shot. An NHL debut isn’t out of the question for this 22-year-old in 2025-26.
The Future Between the Pipes
In goal, the Leafs are trotting out Vyacheslav Peksa and Artur Akhtyamov. Akhtyamov, a 2020 fourth-rounder, had an up-and-down 2024-25 with the Marlies (11-8-7, 2.81 GAA, .901 SV%), battling consistency and a lower-body injury. However, he’s shown flashes of composure, quick reflexes, and strong puck-moving abilities. He’ll be battling Dennis Hildeby for playing time in the AHL and could very well make his NHL debut this season. Keep an eye on his rebound control and overall stability.
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Undrafted Gems and Draft Picks on the Rise
We also have Tyler Hopkins, the highest-ranked 2025 NHL Draft pick at camp (86th overall). He’s a strong skater and shooter, known for his defensive prowess and as a “speedy playmaker.” He’ll be looking to show why he deserves to climb those draft boards.
And then there are the “prove it” guys: Owen Conrad and Alex Pharand. These two are on amateur tryouts, looking to earn an AHL contract, much like Ryan McCleary did last year. Conrad has been flagged as a potential late-round draft option, while Pharand, a 6-foot-3, 192-pound center drafted by Chicago in 2023 but unsigned, is known for his disciplined, defensively reliable game and strong backchecking. These are the guys playing with an extra chip on their shoulder.
Who’s Missing from the Mix?
A couple of names you might have expected to see but won’t are Tinus-Luc Koblar (2025 second-round pick and the Maple Leafs’ highest selection) and Victor Johansson (2024 fourth-rounder). Both are preparing for their respective seasons in Sweden. While it’s a shame not to see the top 2025 pick in action, their absence opens up more opportunities for others to shine.
The Road Ahead
This Prospect Showdown isn’t just about individual performances; it’s about seeing how these young players integrate into the Leafs’ system, how they respond to coaching, and who has that competitive fire to push for the next level. We’re looking for signs of progress, glimpses of potential, and players who embody the relentless work ethic this organization demands.
The journey to the NHL is a marathon, not a sprint, but the starting pistol fires in Montreal. Let’s see who separates themselves from the pack and truly gives Leafs Nation something to get excited about for the future. The Maple Leafs’ future, after all, starts now.
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