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Leafs’ 3rd-rounder Tyler Hopkins models his game after Anthony Cirelli

Originally posted on TheLeafsnation | By Tyler Kuehl | Last updated Jun 28, 2025 5:43 PM ET

One of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ draft picks has a style of play that’s similar to a proven winner.

Toronto selected forward Tyler Hopkins in the third round, (86th overall) in the 2025 NHL Draft. Hopkins featured for the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs where he set career highs in goals (20), assists (31) and points (51). He also registered five assists in 11 playoff games.

Hopkins has proven that he has a balanced scoring touch, but he can be a reliable asset in his own zone. When speaking to the media after being drafted, he admitted that his game is similar to that of two-time Stanley Cup champion Anthony Cirelli of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

“I try to look at Anthony Cirelli as a guy I kind of look up to. Kind of similar style, that 200-foot player that is a little bit flourishing offensively last year, and I think it’s something that I’m trying to do as well in my game.”

Cirelli isn’t a bad player to model one’s game after. He’s someone who can be used in a variety of scenarios and excel in numerous roles and finished second in Selke Trophy voting this year.

Many say that Hopkins’ overall game has improved from his first season in Kingston to his second. Along with the 38-point improvement, his work in his own zone led to him registering a plus/minus of -1, compared to the 2023-24 campaign, where he finished with a -20.

Daily Faceoff draft expert Steven Ellis says Hopkins is a capable centre who can play at both ends of the rink.

Toronto gets Tyler Hopkins – a good fit.

He’s a smart, two-way center whom you can rely on in the D-zone. Hopkins will only really be a support player in the NHL but his two-way game makes him very useful. I want to see him evolve more as a dynamic playmaker, but I like where…

— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) June 28, 2025

“He’s a smart, two-way center whom you can rely on in the D-zone,” Ellis wrote. “Hopkins will only really be a support player in the NHL, but his two-way game makes him very useful. I want to see him evolve more as a dynamic playmaker, but I like where his game is right now.”

The 18-year-old was elated to hear his name called by his hometown team.

“I can’t even describe the feeling. I’ve been a Leafs fan since I was a kid, and now that this is all kind of come true, it’s kind of that full circle moment. … There’s a lot of honor that comes with this logo, a lot of history as well. I think it’s just pure excitement that it happened.”

Along with his growing junior career, Hopkins has already seen time on the international stage. He played for Canada White at the 2023 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge, taking home the gold medal. Hopkins also helped Canada win gold at both the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the 2025 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship.

This article first appeared on TheLeafsnation and was syndicated with permission.

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