Two Maple Leafs Prospects Steal the Show With Highlight-Reel Goals

Toronto Maple Leafs 2025 second round pick Tinus Luc Koblar got on the scoresheet with his first career SHL goal, netting a one-man effort across the ice for a goal, showcasing his nifty puckhandling skills in the process.

On the other side of the pond closer to home, 2025 third rounder Tyler Hopkins scored a similar goal for the OHL Kingston Frontenacs for what was his second ding of the night in a 5-4 shootout loss to the Soo Greyhounds in which Hopkins added his assist in the effort.

The Leafs first two picks in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft have shown promise in the early part of the season, for Hopkins carrying momentum from a solid rookie camp, and Koblar coming off his first glimpse in North America.

In what was seen by some analysts as a weak draft for Toronto, a team needing more prospect depth with a barren cupboard and trades involving prospects and picks for immediate help, the Leafs are showing that the pros may know more in the long-term.

Tyler Hopkins was viewed as the Leafs most ready prospect out of the 2025 draft, and he's making that statement ring true with a strong start to his D+1 season.

Hopkins has three points in his first two games after being sent back down by Toronto to the OHL, returning to Kingston where he has been a key driver of the Frontenacs offense.

The Leafs third rounder was someone who was looked upon to take an additional offensive step as his game has been more focused on the defensive end, at least with his NHL projection, making an additional layer of a scoring touch that much more valuable.

A player who could see himself at home on the Leafs bottom-six, a big year could propel Hopkins upwards in the system, and find himself a role in coming years for Toronto once the time comes for him to turn pro.

Tinus Luc Koblar last season had been a player strong in potential, lacking in results. The talent has always been there for the Norwegian, but on the ice had come only in flashes leaving more desired in terms of growth.

Some bigger players such as the 6'3 Koblar take a bit more time to develop, but when they do manage to impress with a blend of size and skill in their game.

Koblar has already begun to show he can handle the intensity of the Swedish Hockey League, where he's played two games so far for Leksands with a goal.

Even with Koblar getting his chances in the SHL, he's still a project pick who needs time to grow, but moments like these showcase his strengths.

It will be a few years before Koblar makes the jump to the NHL, but he's showing a growth in his game that makes for some positivity.

Developing with Leksands is overall good for Koblar and keeps him with fellow Leafs prospect Victor Johansson.

Koblar was a risky pick when he was taken 64th overall, off the board by many, he may take a while to be at an NHL potential, but he's clearly showing he's going to do what it takes to get to his peak earlier than some may have expected.