3 Toronto Maple Leafs Prospects Expected To Get NHL Playing Time In 2024-25

The Toronto Maple Leafs have some interesting prospects and a number of them could help this season as the team's depth looks worse than it did last season. There are a handful of prospects that have shown good things last season and should be given a shot in the lineup sooner than later.

Easton Cowan

Easton Cowan impressed in training camp last season, but ultimately spent another season in junior where he scored 34 goals and 96 points in 54 games. He should be able to make the jump right to the NHL this season, especially if he has another good training camp. The left wing is particularly weak as it hasn't been addressed and Cowan can provide scoring in the top-6. He also adds a strong two-way ability. If for some reason he doesn't make the Maple Leafs off the hop, he will get the callup at some point and likely stick.

Topi Niemela

Topi Niemela had a very strong first AHL season offensively, but many still have concerns about his defense. He scored eight goals and 39 points in 68 games even though he is relatively undersized. Toronto's defense is likely to have injuries and he should be one of, if not the first defenseman called up if he continues to show talent offensively. He should see some action in the NHL, even if it is limited, just for the team to get a look at him before his entry-level contract is up.

Alex Steeves

Alex Steeves has proven enough to get more games in the NHL than he has received to this point in his career. The 24-year-old played one game for the Maple Leafs last season and three each of the previous two seasons. The 24-year-old has put up consecutive 50+ point seasons in the AHL and a 46-point season prior to that. It is about time he gets his shot and there should be more than enough room to give him that or it's more than likely he'll want out.