EP Rinkside 2022 NHL Prospect Pool Rankings: No. 20-ranked Toronto Maple Leafs

For years, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been among the most interesting teams at the draft table. There’s a consistency to what they value — puck skills and intelligence — but how they’re weighted varies.

In the past two years, the Leafs have moved more heavily into physical skills, like puck protection, at both the draft table and in prospect free agent signings. The star of those prospects has been Matthew Knies. His breakout, along with the standout performances of several others, allows the Leafs to punch above their draft capital, even with the graduation of Nicholas Robertson and others.

With Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljegren establishing themselves as NHLers, this is a forward-heavy prospect pool. In total, only two blueliners appear inside their top 15.

Up front, the Leafs have developed an interesting mix of prospects, ranging from toolsy in-flight creators to bruising battles and everything in between.