Mats Sundin's role with the Maple Leafs has taken a much more hands-on approach as he's giving more than just some advice from a distance.
The former Toronto captain has been working closely with 2025 draft pick Tinus Luc Koblar as their relationship was featured as part of the 'Maple Leafs Blueprint' video series, and used his knowledge to offer an equipment change for Koblar that he feels could unlock a better shot.
Mats Sundin noticed a specific adjustment to Tinus Luc Koblar's stick
Sundin compared Koblar's original stick to a different one he was holding, and noted how much stiffer the shaft and blade were. While this may seem inconsequential, it actually has a lot to do with how Koblar is able to attack.
Per HockeyStore.com's description of how a stiffer stick blade works explains a bit as to why Sundin offered the change:
The stiffness of the blade typically varies based on the kickpoint of the stick. A low kickpoint often has a stiff blade core or toe (the front of the blade), which means the puck will leave the stick faster.
That last part is crucial as it was later shown in the same video that Sundin was teaching Koblar how to pre-emptively load his shot as he enters the offensive zone - and for a larger forward, finding the correct stiffness and blade setup can make a world of difference in timing, control and power.
With Koblar a big and powerful centre much like Sundin was, it's about getting the proper equipment in order to maximize his power and energy. He can't risk having a weaker strength stick because he's likely going to break much quicker - and that ruins offence almost immediately.
Tinus Luc Koblar is receiving development support few prospects can match
This isn't something that suddenly turns Koblar into Sundin however, and we can't expect a stick change to give him an extra 20 points next year. But it does allow him to get comfortable with a different setup as he enters his first season with Rogle in the SHL and he can use the same equipment when he comes over.
Their similar size makes Sundin a great mentor for Koblar as well. Koblar is 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, and a centre with a blossoming two-way game - Sundin was a 6-foot-5, 230-pound monster on the ice who had feathery hands and a deadly shot.
It's not too often that the Senior Advisor to the GM is skating alongside one of your top prospects and actively invested in his development and it shows how the culture in Toronto is changing. They didn't just add Sundin for nostalgia reasons, but because his knowledge is indispensable to their rookies.
Some may have viewed Koblar as a stretch when he was drafted 64th overall in 2025, but it's clear the Maple Leafs saw something in him.
But he's proven he can be an effective centre for Norway, his upcoming season in Sweden will be his next test, and having Sundin help with his development is a perk that very few other prospects get to receive.
Do you think Tinus Luc Koblar will play for the Maple Leafs in 2027-28?
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