Maple Leafs, Canadiens prospect teams square off in two fights during 1st period

The fisticuffs didn’t stop there. Maple Leafs forward Landon Sim proceeded to fight Canadiens defenceman Andrew MacNiel, a minute later. Both players landed some major shots and after getting off to a slow start, Sim wrestled MacNiel to the ground in a truly spirited bout.

Toronto is looking to rebound from a 4-3 loss to the Ottawa Senators’ prospects team on Saturday. Maple Leafs top prospect Easton Cowan was a healthy scratch, with Borya Valis, Matthew Hlacar, Alex Pharand and Blake Smith also coming out of the lineup Sunday. Owen Conrad, Rylan Fellinger, Harry Nansi, Ryan Tverberg and Sam McCue were inserted into Sunday’s game.

The rivalry between the Maple Leafs and Canadiens was certainly top of mind entering the weekend. Tyler Hopkins, Toronto’s third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, spoke about the importance of the game against the Canadiens, following Friday’s practice session.

“I’ve heard a little bit from the guys that played last year, (Ben) Danford was telling me that it was a pretty loud crowd,” Hopkins said.

“Expecting a fast, hard, competitive game. Everybody is trying to push their name, trying to make the team. Expecting a pretty spirited game. My dad wouldn’t have missed it for the world, he’s pretty excited. Playing against the Habs, which has been a big rivalry forever, and the first time he gets to see me in a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey. I think that’s the excitement for him, and for me.”