Tyler Hopkins Could Be the Leafs' Biggest Surprise of the 2025 Season

Tyler Hopkins, the Toronto Maple Leafs third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, was a player who was arguably the most projectable player of the Leafs draft crop, the prospect who was highest in most rankings.

Hopkins was ranked 52nd by TSN's Bob McKenzie, a ranking that polls NHL scouts opinions on the draft, signaling that some across the NHL viewed Hopkins much more highly than his actual draft pick at 86th overall, and ahead the Leafs first pick at #64, in which Toronto selected Tinus Luc Koblar.

Hopkins was ranked 61st by EliteProspects and 64th by the International Scouting Service, showcasing that he was a player who had legitimate buzz as high as the second round.

Having gotten Hopkins at a spot lower than were many had projected him to be, Hopkins could be a legitimate steal for the Toronto Maple Leafs and a bright spot for a draft class that has been viewed by some as a bit underwhelming.

The Leafs had largely gone off the board throughout the entire draft, going in a very unpredictable route with their top pick in Koblar, as well as some slight reaches in William Belle and Harry Nansi, although both had their supporters.

Rylan Fellinger and Matthew Hlacar were two players with little buzz.

Overall the Leafs took players with both low upside and a lack of draft buzz, not a very exciting crop but with Hopkins they have a player who has some upside and could be one of their most productive players early on.

Hopkins had a solid season this season in the OHL with the Kingston Frontenacs, with 20 goals and 51 points in 67 games this season, and played internationally for Canada at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup and the U18's, both in a bottom-six role.

In the NHL, Hopkins projects as a potential 3C who is defensively responsible and could be a penalty killer for a team.

Hopkins isn't a player with higher upside tools, but is a safe, reliable player who has a lack of mistakes made and plays with good control on the ice.

It's possible that next season is a big improvement for Hopkins if he can improve on his game and add more on the offensive end, adding a more dynamic element to his game with the puck.

In a draft class that lacks in flash and upside, the Toronto Maple Leafs have a player in Tyler Hopkins that could be a prospect who could propel himself into being a real steal in his future.