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4 Young Toronto Maple Leafs Prospects Ready to Boost Roster – Hockey Writers –

In a recent “Kyper and Bourne” podcast interview, hockey analyst Jason Bukala joined athletes Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to examine the young talent in the Toronto Maple Leafs program. The discussion focused on the strengths of four promising prospects: Easton Cowan, Fraser Minten, Nick Robertson, and Matthew Knies. As the Maple Leafs look to fill their roster with young, dynamic players and big money players, Bukala provided some insight into how these players might fit into the team’s plans for next season.

The video below shares that conversation.

Young Players Who Can Hit The Map Next Season

The Maple Leafs have a promising crop of young talent that could make an impact on their roster next season. Here are four of the most important prospects in the discussion listed and thoughts on where they could fit into the team next season.

Hope 1: Easton Cowan

Cowan has shown great energy and fire in his belly, especially during Ontario Hockey League (OHL) play. Known for his relentless play and quickness, he could slide into the lineup and play on the wing alongside John Tavares. His ability to create turnovers with his speed and contribute offensively, combined with his defensive reliability, make him a strong candidate for regular minutes next season. He could also play on the penalty kill.

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Cowan won the Red Tilson Trophy this season as the OHL regular season MVP and the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award for OHL Playoff MVP. He has nothing left to prove at the junior level.

Prospect 2: Fraser Minten

Minten is another promising prospect who could see time with the Maple Leafs. While he may initially spend time with the Toronto Marlies in the American Hockey League (AHL) to continue his development, he could eventually play a middle-six role. He’s proven more than adequate at taking key faceoffs and (like Cowan) contributed to the penalty kill.

Fraser Minten, Toronto Maple Leafs (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

His versatility and power should allow him to develop into a reliable center. Bukala believes he will be an important recall option and regular on the Maple Leafs’ roster.

Prospect 3: Nick Robertson

Robertson finally had a chance to develop with the big team this past regular season. Bukala believes he can make a big impact in attack and score 25 goals or more next season. His high attack and scoring ability make him an exciting prospect on the Maple Leafs roster.

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If he can stay healthy and consistent, Robertson can defend the regular spot and provide much-needed scoring depth. Although he needs more experience to play solid defense on a regular basis, from my eye test, he has grown in that area this past season.

Prospect 4: Matthew Knies

Matthew Knies had a solid regular season with the Maple Leafs. However, he had a strong postseason. He seems built for the playoffs. As a rookie, he is already known for being competitive and playing two ways. He competes hard from goal line to goal line and can kill penalties. While discussion notes that Cowan may have offensive upside, Knies provides a reliable presence with his 200-foot game. The best news is that Knies and Cowan bring different strengths to the lineup. That creates space for those two players on the roster and those who contribute effectively in their roles.

The Maple Leafs Have Potential Young Players for Next Season and Beyond

These four young players provide affordable, potential upside options for the Maple Leafs as they look to build a contending team next season. With their mix of offensive talent, defensive commitment, and versatility, Cowan, Minten, Robertson, and Knies can play a key role and help their team improve. Their appearance could not have been better for the salary-strapped Maple Leafs.

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