Two Maple Leafs Top Prospects Making Strides That Fans Can't Ignore

The Toronto Maple Leafs haven't really had a top selection in a long time, though they have done well with the likes of Easton Cowan, Fraser Minten, and Ben Danford.

Though Minten is gone, both Cowan and Danford are fairly close to making the team in due time and there's a lot to be excited about; Cowan is going to be a menace on the ice and Danford is as solid as can be.

Two other prospects though that seem to be gaining a lot of attention recently are Victor Johansson and Tinus Luc Koblar. The former shone during the World Juniors Summer Showcase and his growth both physically and mentally is astounding.

Koblar, Toronto's most recent top pick has been touted as a raw prospect but with his combination of hands, size, and two-way potential he might surprise some fans.

It seems that their current team believes they are ready to step in, and the lineup for Leksands IF shows that both men are primed to make an impact:

We see Johansson take the side alongside well...another Johansson; this one being his older brother Anton, a Red Wings prospect. It's the second time in a row that the brothers have been paired together, as the team is trying to generate some interesting chemistry.

Koblar being given a top-six role is impressive too given his age and relatively raw skillset, but he's also big and clearly able to contribute, earning the trust of head coach Johan Hedberg; a former NHL goaltender.

It's a great sign that both men are progressing well towards a potential NHL future, and while Koblar is a few years away, Johansson's strides are seriously considering him as the offensive defenseman of the future, eventually usurping Morgan Rielly.

Johansson, 19, was drafted 120th overall in 2024 and has already gone through quite the growth including beating some issues with ADHD and being able to finally find his footing.

In 47 games, he put up 39 points (7 goals, 32 assists) but added 113 PIM which is something he needs to focus on fixing but will come in time.

Koblar, 18, was drafted 64th overall by Toronto in 2025 and was quite the off board choice however there's a chance he might turn out to be a Swiss Army knife of a player who can help at both ends of the ice.

He had 21 points in 43 games for Leksands' junior team in 2024-25 (8 goals, 13 assists).

With an aging roster, it's great to see names like Koblar and Johansson already get their praise even so young.

The only way to go is up with the NHL in the distance, but that destination is getting closer day by day.