Toronto Maple Leafs 'Pipeline Rankings' climbing after recent prospect developments

Often eschewing their draft capital for a win-now mentality, Toronto often loses out on the ability to draft in the first or second round, and while it's obvious that players drafted later can become role players and sometimes stars; the cream of the crop is where it's at.

According to a new article from The Athletic, Toronto's recent farm system acquisitions have led them to have a bit of a better contingent of prospects than years past.

With the emergence of Matthew Knies as a bonafide NHL regular, Easton Cowan having his breakout junior season which included 96 points with a 36-game point streak that extended into the playoffs, and the drafting of Ben Danford in this year's draft; there's lots to be excited about.

While they lack the name recognition of a Macklin Celebrini, Matvei Michkov, Cutter Gauthier or Oliver Bonk; Toronto has built themselves a solid contingent of players who can contribute in the future. Names like Roni Hirvonen, Noah Chadwick, Nikita Grebyonkin et al don't jump off the paper, they are all talented in their own right and could find success with Toronto in the coming years.

It will be exciting to watch the rookies ply their trade as they try to make the big league squad; with many of them given a chance to shine once the preseason rolls around come the end of September.

Source: The Athletic
Toronto Maple Leafs Rank 22nd In Pipeline Rankings

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