The TLN Maple Leafs prospect rankings were compiled by a panel of seven TLN writers, each ranking our top 20 prospects to form a consensus group ranking.
Rather than hard and fast limits on age or NHL games played to determine “prospect” eligibility, our group decided on a more nuanced approach to include any reasonably young player who is either under contract with the Leafs or on the club’s reserve list, who has not yet established himself as a full-time NHLer.
“When he moves, he can really move,” a scout told The Leafs Nation’s Steven Ellis in January. “He’s not a big fella so he needs that speed to separate himself. And with that comes added compete, and making that a more crucial part of his game will take him far. He’s not going to be a goal-scorer in the NHL, but if the work ethic continues to improve, he’ll make his own opportunities.” Moldenhauer zips around the ice, he’s a good skater who tracks back in transition, but he truly comes alive with the puck on his stick. He will certainly need to add more strength — like most prospects — if he wants to make an impact at the NHL level, but it’s now incumbent upon Moldenhauer to consistently take over games on both ends of the ice at the NCAA level this season. His positional versatility is an asset to the Maple Leafs but he’s likely better suited as a wing in the NHL. It’s easy to forget that Moldenhauer has long been considered one of the best players in the 2004 age group and overcame a harrowing injury where his cartoid artery was lacerated by an errant skate blade in 2022 — The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler detailed Moldenhauer’s frightening draft-year experience in a profile that’s certainly worth your time. We’ll be watching Moldenhauer’s upcoming season at Michigan very closely. When he’s at his best, Moldenhauer zips around the ice in the short area — I’m weary of comparing him to Brayden Point, given that wthe Lightning star forward is a constant 90-point producer in the NHL, but he can mimic the best of Point’s qualities. We’re looking to see some offensive fireworks from Moldenhauer this season, which may provide a clearer outline of what his true NHL potential looks like.
