Three Intriguing 2025 NHL Draft Targets at Pick #64 for the Toronto Maple Leafs

As the 2025 NHL Draft looms, the Leafs find themselves without many selections and only one pick in the first two rounds: #64. With that in mind, let’s break down three prospects who I believe could realistically be on Toronto’s radar at 64 and why each one brings a unique fit to Brad Treliving’s vision of this team.

Matthew Gard–C–Red Deer Rebels (WHL)

6’4”–192 lbs–66 GP–19 G–17 A–36 PTS

My Ranking: #53

EP Consolidated: #53

Gard’s point totals don’t jump out at you, with just 36 points in 66 games for Red Deer, but the numbers don’t tell the full story. Red Deer was one of the worst teams in the WHL this season, finishing 17th in the league out of 22 teams, and Gard was one of the few bright spots. As a second-year centre, he was relied upon in tough matchups, took key defensive draws, and logged heavy minutes in the top-six.

Elite Prospects ranks him as high as #44, so there’s a real possibility he’s not on the board at 64. But if he is, he checks a lot of boxes for this front office. At Pick 64 in a weaker draft class, it’s unlikely to find an uber dynamic top-six complimentary player, but Gard brings that blend of size, compete, responsible two-way play and hockey IQ that Treliving and Berube will value. His flashes of offensive skill and physical presence are intriguing, and with a relatively late birthday (April), there’s still a good amount of developmental runway ahead.

In a weaker draft class, Gard strikes that sweet spot between a high NHL floor with just enough offensive intrigue to make him a worthwhile swing

Tyler Hopkins–C–Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

6’1”–181 lbs–67 GP–20 G–31 A–51 PTS

My Ranking: #65

EP Consolidated: #83

Hopkins first popped onto my radar after a solid if understated performance with Team Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last summer. He played mostly in a depth capacity but showed flashes of what makes him a potential fit here in Toronto.

In his second OHL campaign, he took a significant step forward offensively, jumping from 13 points to 51 while playing a key role in Kingston’s top-six. The Frontenacs finished third in the Eastern Conference, only behind OHL powerhouses Brantford and Barrie.

What stands out about Hopkins is his mature, detail-oriented game. He’s not flashy, but he competes hard, plays responsibly at both ends, and brings NHL size down the middle, which the Leafs direly need with Fraser Minten’s departure at the trade deadline.

There are still some valid concerns about his ability to drive offence consistently, but that’s exactly why he’ll likely still be on the board at 64. His tools project well, and even moderate improvements with the puck could unlock a reliable NHL-level centre.

Hopkins is another prospect that I think is a good balance of projectability (likelihood to make the NHL) while also showing flashes of being a creator offensively with his hands and pace.

Sean Barnhill–RD–Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)

6’5”–214 lbs–54 GP–4 G–8 A–12 PTS

My Ranking: #48

EP Consolidated: #74

Barnhill’s raw production numbers don’t scream second-round pick. His 12 points in 54 games are relatively pedestrian, but Barnhill’s value as a prospect comes away from the stat sheet. I had my doubts too before diving into his tape, but by the end of the season, he was well ahead of several more offensively productive defencemen on my board, including players with legitimate first-round buzz like Kashawn Aitcheson (who did end up going to the Islanders).

What makes Barnhill so compelling is the combination of tools and trajectory. He’s 6’5”, skates well for his size, and plays with poise and purpose in the defensive zone. His defensive mobility is already at a high level, and he’s just beginning to scratch the surface with his puck game. There’s an NHL-calibre shot in there, and he’s not afraid to use it.

The next step for Barnhill will be proving he can elevate his puck-moving and decision-making while also upping the ante by facing a higher level of competition. He’ll be heading to Northeastern University in 2026–27, and that will be a pivotal development window. But out of all the big-bodied, raw upside defencemen likely available around this range, Barnhill is the one I’d be most willing to bet on.

He continues a trend here: physically mature players with high floors and just enough flashes of higher-end ability to suggest there’s untapped upside worth developing.

Final Thoughts

At pick #64, there are no perfect players. But in Gard, Hopkins, and Barnhill, Toronto could land one of three very different prospects. Gard brings power forward flashes in a big frame, Hopkins is a coach’s dream on the defensive side of the puck, and Barnhill is the rangy, rapidly developing shutdown defender every organization needs more of. Each fits Toronto’s philosophy in different ways, and all three could very well be on the board when the Leafs are on the clock today.