2025 TLN Maple Leafs Prospect Rankings: #3 Dennis Hildeby

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. Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Dennis Hildeby is kind of in a weird spot right now. The 24-year-old from Jarfalla, Sweden, has now spent two seasons in North America, with varied levels of success. He was instantly one of the AHL’s top goaltenders in 2023-24, earning a spot in the league’s all-star game. But his numbers took a step back (albeit, not a big one) in 2024-25, and his NHL starts were underwhelming at best. Still, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about Hildeby as a goaltending prospect. Drafted as a triple overager in 2022, Hildeby didn’t get a ton of starts at a young age and had to play a bit of catch-up. But his numbers in the top Swedish league in 2022-23 were promising, and when he continued with his hot play with the Marlies two years ago, people were intrigued. Hildeby started slow in the AHL, and was even outplayed by rookie Artur Akhtyamov. But things started to turn around in the second half, with the 6-foot-7 monster giving the Leafs something to think about in the long term. Hildeby also outperformed two-time Stanley Cup champion Matt Murray, who served as somewhat of a mentor in the three-goalie rotation. It was good to see Hildeby get the call-up early in the NHL, learning alongside Joseph Woll while Anthony Stolarz was injured. Sure, Hildeby struggled, but so few don’t when they’re first called up. The fact that Hildeby bounced back to close out the year was important for his development and proving to people that he can get the job done. It’s hard to find goalies with a 6-foot-7 frame like Hildeby. But he’s more than just a big dude. His ability to push off quickly in his crease with little effort allows him to get himself where he needs to be. Hildeby has active footwork and some quick hands, too. He is prone to some mid-level shots beating him below the glove, but we’ve seen some progress there over the past two years. The size obviously helps cover the top of the net, but he doesn’t rely on it as much as he used to at a younger age in Sweden. As for the biggest technical improvements? His positioning. “He’s a big goaltender but often relied too much on reflexes,” one scout said. “He seemed to calm down as the (2024-25) season wore on and let his frame do most of the work. He wasn’t chasing after pucks as frequently.” Hildeby needs starts, and the Leafs need to prioritize playing time with him at Coca-Cola Coliseum. With Stolarz around for another year, there’s still plenty of time for Hildeby to continue his development at his own pace. But the pressure is truly on for the first time ever. If Stolarz establishes himself as the team’s true No. 1 over Woll, that could lead to the team sticking with the tandem moving forward, and therefore pushing Hildeby out of the equation. Hildeby will be in his third AHL season. Not many high-profile goaltending prospects last that long. Hildeby isn’t in the upper tier of netminding prospects, but there is genuine upside here. If Stolarz is just fine, or doesn’t find a way to secure the starter’s gig, it’ll be easier for Hildeby to come in as the backup for 2026-27 and learn alongside Woll. Hildeby is still a restricted free agent – if he signs a multi-year deal, that’s a good sign that the team still thinks he’s capable of becoming an NHL backup. For now, I have full belief he’ll be the No. 1 with the Marlies. He’ll have to share the net with Akhtyamov again, with 30-year-old Ken Appleby being the designated veteran support option. He had fantastic numbers in Charlotte last year, but he’s not going to be Toronto’s No. 1. That, by all measures, is Hildeby’s to lose. As Toronto’s top goaltending prospect, plenty of eyes will be on Hildeby this season. He’ll be the first goaltender called up in case of an injury to Stolarz or Woll (something that happened to both goaltenders last year), and he’ll need to thrive right from the get-go. But now that he has the sophomore jitters out of the way, Hildeby will have the best opportunity of his career to show the Leafs’ development brass he’s the real deal. It’s unlikely Hildeby will ever be an NHL starter, but becoming a reliable backup is absolutely priority No. 1. If all else fails, don’t expect Hildeby to sit this high next summer.