Maple Leafs Top Defensive Prospect Turns Heads After Standout Season

While a lot of the talk surrounds Maple Leafs prospects like Easton Cowan, Ben Danford, and new signees like Luke Haymes and John Prokop, there are still several players in the system who are doing their due diligence to try and make an NHL career for themselves.

While it's not the strongest pool, it's certainly improved in recent weeks and there's a lot of hype and excitement around what the future of the team is going to look like.

But there's one player in particular who has been turning a lot of heads in the WHL, and after some recent accomplishments and a stellar season, it seems like he might be the next breakout star; that being Noah Chadwick.

The Lethbridge Hurricanes captain and the Maple Leafs' sixth round pick in 2023 had himself quite the season. Not only was he named to the First Team All-Stars for the Eastern Conference in the WHL, but his production on the ice was fantastic.

In 66 games this season, Chadwick registered 53 points (13G, 40A), 43 PIM, and a plus-11.

What makes Chadwick stand out besides his 6'4 frame is his elite playmaking vision. Eschewing point shots in favor of finding his teammates in open space, his ability to control the puck with his length and stick handling ability allows him to find a good pass.

Defensively, he's a very aware and highly intelligent player, often cutting the opponents off at the hilt and being able to gauge their next move. His length also helps him break up passes in the lane, and won't panic under pressure.

That's the formula for a two-way defenseman if ever there was one, and the fact he was such a late round pick is pretty stunning.

With the Maple Leafs having an aging defensive core and questions around Morgan Rielly's production, Chadwick has a serious chance to fight for a spot next year.

He would be a massive offensive improvement over Philippe Myers and Simon Benoit, offer the same size as both men, and be more adept defensively; it's more the issue of whether Toronto trusts a rookie over a trusted veteran long enough to see results.

No doubt will he get a strong look at training camp, and if he can put in a better offensive performance than the other depth defenders, while keeping his defense consistent, it won't be long before he's with the big boys.

It was a season to remember for Noah Chadwick, and perhaps just the first stepping stone to a long and prosperous NHL career.