Maple Leafs Prospect Makes Comeback at Development Camp After Quiet Health Battle

While the Maple Leafs development camp gets under way, there are several stories coming out, mainly that being the absence of Easton Cowan, though that can be chalked up to the immense amount of hockey he played this season.

But for others, they are fighting hard and vying for a spot on the Marlies, and potentially impress enough to warrant a call-up later on.

First-round pick Tinus Luc Koblar was showcasing his skillset, Noah Chadwick quickly impressed coaches, and Matthew Hlacar already made himself known as he fought teammate Rhett Parsons.

But one player who has quietly been working his way back is Victor Johansson, and for the young Swedish defender, he admitted it's been a bit tough, and mentioned that he took the initiative to turn things around.

Speaking to the media after Day 2 of camp, Johansson revealed his battle with ADHD and its side effects, mainly the decrease in appetite. But since switching off his medication, he's gained nearly 20 pounds and is bulking up to get ready to make an impact:

Johansson also cheekily revealed that his new diet has a very crucial component to it:

While he won't make the Marlies or the Maple Leafs this season, and will likely graduate to the pro league (SHL) where he'll face bigger competition, so he best be getting as much pizza pie in him as possible before then.

Johansson, 19, was drafted 120th overall in 2024 was a questionable pick at the time, however has quietly improved his offensive game while being a very solid defender in his own zone. He doesn't panic, he makes a clean first pass, and if he can keep adding size, will be a menace later on in his career.

He's spent the last two seasons with Leksands IF's junior team, registering 47 points in 81 games (9G, 38A) with a staggering 133 PIM; though that can be attributed to other outside factors.

For those unfamiliar, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition where an individual struggles with focusing, impulsivity, and executive dysfunction.

Most medications are able to reduce the symptoms and allow a person to focus more clearly on tasks, and not get carried away with other activities, but they do come with some unfortunate side effects; decreased appetite being a big one.

Well known brand-names like Ritalin and Concerta are methylphenidate-based medications, and studies have shown that decreased appetite is a common occurrence when using those.

For Johansson, being unable to focus on plays or getting distracted by different happenings on the ice is a detriment to his ability to defend, and the incredible amount of penalties can also be chalked up to him trying to manage being without meds.

If he was acting impulsive at times where he lets his intrusive thoughts come out (a hit that's interference, carelessly waving his stick) that leads to more issues with discipline, and it's going to be a struggle.

But he seems as focused as ever now, even without the extra help. He'll be fighting for a spot on the Marlies in the near future, and he's got a chance to impress in the SHL.

Let's just hope he doesn't get too sick of pizza anytime soon.