Toronto Maple Leafs hockey is officially back this weekend (kind of) as the team’s top prospects will play in the 2022 NHL Prospect Tournament.
Taking place in Traverse City, Michigan, the Toronto Maple Leafs will join the Columbus Blue Jackets, St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars and Detroit Red Wings in this annual prospect exhibition.
Below is a schedule for the Leafs, with games more than likely being streamed on YouTube:
- September 15th @ 6:30PM:
- Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Dallas Stars
- September 16th @ 6:30PM:
- Toronto Maple Leafs vs. St. Louis Blues
- September 18th @ 2:00PM:
- Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
- September 19th @ 11:00AM:
- Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Detroit Red Wings
Although this is an exhibition series, featuring only prospects, it’s an important tournament for the youngsters. Year-after-year, players continue to use this as a great development opportunity and raise their stock by playing at a high level here.
It never transitioned to the NHL last year, but Nick Robertson really shined at this event in 2021, solidifying himself as Toronto’s top prospect. I know Robertson never put up great results in the NHL, but he was one of the Toronto Marlies best players last year, scoring 16 goals and 28 points in 28 games.
This year’s event will showcase a number of Leafs prospects, with many familiar names and some unknown players looking to make an impact. In total, Toronto will have 16 forwards, eight defensemen and three goaltenders.
This tournament won’t make or break a career, but it’s a very important step for many young players who are looking to start next year in the American Hockey League or National Hockey League.
Here are five Leafs prospects to watch this weekend.