Welcome to the first annual 6ix On Ice Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect Rankings! All of our writers went through this list of the Leafs’ prospects and ranked them from 1st to 10th and allocated two honourable mentions. We then collated that list, and put together the overall rankings, which we will break down over the coming weeks.
A total of 16 prospects received at least one vote and after some number crunching, we have come down to the top-10 and honourable mentions. A quick reminder that a prospect is a player who was under the age of 25 as of the start of last season, and has played less than 65 NHL games. Let’s take a look at our two honourable mentions.
Honourable Mention: Mikko Kokkonen
Drafted in the third round in 2019, Kokkonen spent the first three seasons post-draft in Finland, putting up twin 10-point seasons and then a subsequent 15-point-season in the Finnish Liiga. From there he moved over to North America full-time in 2022–23, and spent the season split between the AHL and ECHL, which is never a good sign for a prospect.
But his fortunes turned around last season when he was one of the last players cut from Leafs camp to start 2023–24. He then put up 19 points in 65 games for the Marlies, and finished fourth in scoring among blueliners on the team. But what was more impressive was how many minutes he played this season, seemingly on the ice all the time.
Kokkonen doesn’t have much in the way of offensive upside, but he does have the capacity to play lots of minutes and be a reliable depth blueliner at the NHL level. He probably needs one more season of AHL development, but he could see NHL games next season should injuries occur.
Honourable Mention: Jacob Quillan
The Leafs signed Jacob Quillan this Spring following a massive third season with Quinnipiac University where he had 46 points in 39 games. He also helped the team reach the Frozen Four, losing in the quarterfinals to Boston College in overtime. Quillan had two goals in that game, but is better known for his overtime-winning goal last season as the Bobcats won the tournament.
Away from the highlight reel though, Quillan is an excellent two-way player, winning the ECAC’s Top Defensive Forward Award this past season. Put strong offensive ability and great two-way play together and you have the makings of a really good pro down the line. Scouts have raved about his strong skating and the level of detail with which he plays the game.
While he was a late bloomer, going undrafted, the Dartmouth, N.S. product has bloomed through college and could push for an NHL spot this season. While he likely projects as a depth forward who plays in the bottom six and adds offensive upside, Quillan’s two-way game could make him a valuable addition to the Leafs this season. The team has a strong forward group, but given the opposition in the Atlantic Division, it could use more two-way guys.
What are the next steps for Kokkonen and Quillan
Both Kokkonen and Quillan will be pushing for NHL jobs this season, with Quillan being more NHL-ready at this point than his Finnish teammate. While the Leafs do have at least 12 NHL bodies this season, there’s a good chance that Quillan could push for a look to start the year.
Even if he doesn’t, he’s probably a player on the call-up list. Whether he develops into a real player at the next level or a handy depth piece that can slot in as needed, it’s a great find by GM Brad Treliving and team. Acquiring an undrafted prospect who can play reliably at the NHL level is a huge win for the Leafs.
Kokkonen has a lot of promise but needs at least one more season before he is NHL-ready. While he will likely slot in as a second or third-pairing blueliner with heavy defensive upside but limited offence, there is very much a need for that on the Leafs’ blueline. As Chris Tanev continues to age, Kokkonen could potentially develop into a replacement for him in a few years, and to learn from the undrafted warrior blueliner would be massive for his development. It may be a stretch right now, but do not count out the possibility.
Both players have upside that could be realized at the NHL level, there are also many question marks still as we haven’t yet seen them at that next level. This season is going to be very telling for both, and we could see the two of them push up the rankings for next season.
