Toronto Maple Leafs’ Prospects Get Professional Hockey Experience
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ season might be coming to an end, but the organization is still making moves. Two promising prospects, Tyler Hopkins and Harry Nansi, have been signed to amateur try-outs, giving them their first taste of professional hockey with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.
Both players are forwards who were drafted by the Leafs in the previous year. They are now heading to the Marlies, as announced on Sunday. Their respective OHL teams, the Guelph Storm and the Owen Sound Attack, were swept in the first round of the playoffs, which allowed them to make this move and continue playing hockey this season.
Tyler Hopkins: A Rising Star
After joining the Storm in a mid-season trade from the Kingston Frontenacs, Hopkins quickly became a key player. He initially ranked second on the team in scoring but finished the season as the club’s top point producer, recording 50 points—more than any other Storm skater. Achieving back-to-back 50-point seasons is a positive sign for Maple Leafs management, as his growing offensive production complements a reliable defensive game.
Hopkins was selected in the fifth round (153rd overall) and has shown significant improvement over the course of the season. His performance highlights his potential as a future asset for the team.
Harry Nansi: A Late-Round Gem
Nansi, selected in the fifth round as well, made impressive strides this season. He reached new career highs across all offensive categories, tallying 13 goals and 43 assists over 67 games. This placed him tied for the team lead in assists and third among all Attack forwards with 56 points.
In his draft-eligible season, Nansi managed seven goals and 16 points. However, this year’s 56-point performance marked more than double his previous career best of 23 points from the 2024–25 season. Despite being held without a point in four playoff games against a strong Flint Firebirds squad, Nansi remains a valuable late-round find for the Maple Leafs.
What This Means for the Future
Both prospects offer interesting options for the Leafs in the future. Playing a solid amount of AHL games before returning to junior hockey could be a beneficial experience for both players. There has been no official word yet on whether either will head to the NCAA next season, but it’s definitely not out of the question.
The Marlies have five regular season games remaining and are expected to make the playoffs from the North Division. This gives these two young players even more opportunities to play high-stakes hockey if they perform well in their initial appearances.
Opportunities Ahead
With the Marlies set to compete in the playoffs, both Hopkins and Nansi will have the chance to showcase their skills in a competitive environment. This experience could be crucial in their development as they prepare for the next stages of their careers.
Whether they stay in the AHL or return to junior hockey, the exposure and challenges they face this season will play a significant role in shaping their futures. The Maple Leafs’ decision to send them to the Marlies reflects confidence in their potential and a commitment to developing their talent.
As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see how these two prospects perform and what impact they may have on the organization moving forward.
