Future Looks Bright: Four Leafs Prospects Power Into OHL Round 2

As the OHL Playoffs take place, it's going to be a fight as junior clubs try to stake their claim as the league's best team, and there happens to be a few Maple Leafs playing for the chance for glory.

Easton Cowan, Ben Danford, Nathan Mayes, and Noah Chadwick are all ready to take part in the tournament's second round, and there's lots to be excited for. A strong showing from any of these players will lead them straight into training camp and potentially into a spot with the team next season.

So with the players set to start their second round journey, let's take a look at each player and what they bring to the table.

Let's kick things off with Easton Cowan, Toronto's top prospect. Not only did he have yet another stellar season with the London Knights (69 points in 46 games), but so far he's been unreal with nine points in only four playoff games thus far.

He's going to be an offensive phenom once he finally gets into the league, and if he can repeat his previous season's performance in the playoffs, that makes it back-to-back titles, and almost assuredly a spot on the Maple Leafs next season.

Drafted 28th overall in 2023's Entry Draft, Cowan has risen through the OHL to completely dominate the league, and it's at least worth a look in the beginning of the year much like Fraser Minten did.

Let's switch gears to the back end with Ben Danford. The 31st pick of the 2024 Entry Draft, it's been a very good season so far for the defensively minded defender.

He had 25 points in 61 games for the Oshawa Generals though did suffer some injury issues this season that kept him out of action. Putting together a solid two-way season, Danford will no doubt be on the team sooner than later especially with Toronto's aging defensive group.

Sticking with the back end, we'll look at Noah Chadwick. Drafted 185th overall in 2023, there wasn't a ton of hype surrounding him, but this season has blown everyone out of the water.

Earning captaincy of the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Chadwick has had a monster offensive year with 53 points in 66 games, and for a 6'4, 205 pound player; that's a nightmare for opponents in the future.

Skating is a bit of an issue however, but a a strong training camp and working with Toronto's skating and conditioning coaches; some of the best in the league, will no doubt help him progress even quicker.

Finishing up with the final defender, we'll take a look at Nathan Mayes. Not much has been said about Toronto's 225th pick in 2024, but considering his season so far, it's a genuine shock that he was picked so low.

In 58 games, Mayes has added 27 points but was a fantastic plus-15 and has been a point per game player thus far in the playoffs.

Another 6'4, 200+ pound player, he certainly fits the mould for the Maple Leafs' current roster makeup, and if things keep trending in that direction, will find him ahead of others on the depth chart.

Indeed the future does look bright for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and while none of these players are exactly a for sure in the NHL, they've certainly began setting themselves up for success and a future career in the blue and white.