2025 TLN Maple Leafs Prospect Rankings: #7 Tinus Luc Koblar

Here’s what Ellis wrote about Koblar immediately after the Leafs made their selection:

As a 6-foot-3 center, there’s a lot to like from his physical attributes. He’s not a crushing presence, but he’s competitive and strong enough to win out most individual battles. Mix in good skating and good hockey IQ and I think there’s definitely some late-bloomer potential if he can unlock another level in his offensive game.

It’s absolutely clear that Leach and Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving were emphasizing size as their common denominator throughout the draft, with the Florida Panthers operating as the template. Koblar was essentially selected because of his traits, athleticism and ability to get to the net-front. It’s now incumbent upon Koblar to improve in all areas of the puck, particularly his puck skills. At the moment, Koblar’s skating is a plus and he can keep pace against professionals, but he will need to improve significantly with the puck on his s tick if he’s going to create any meaningful offence in the NHL.

Is Pierre Engvall the closest player comparison for Koblar? It’s too early to tell, but considering Engvall has carved out a career spanning 380 NHL games and counting, this would represent a win for the Maple Leafs if their second-round pick establishes this type of career. Koblar is still several years away from contributing at the NHL level and in some ways, the next steps of his development are clearly spelled out: shoot the lights out in Sweden next fall, continue to improve as a puck handler, while using his size, speed and athleticism to bully defenders at the net-front. Toronto selected Koblar two rounds ahead of consensus, but it made a risky investment on a prospect that could return dividends based on his traits and skill set.