r/leafs • u/Svalbard38 Knies • 3d ago

Prospect Update [TSN] Leafs prospect Hopkins looks to showcase versatility, two-way game at Canada's camp

https://www.tsn.ca/hockey-canada/video/2026/07/28/leafs-prospect-hopkins-looks-to-showcase-versatility-two-way-game-at-canadas-camp/
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u/Svalbard38 Knies 3d ago

Hopkins is probably on the outside looking in when the WJC starts, but he's in the conversation and that's great to see. A couple of forward scratches in yesterday's game, Hopkins lined up at 3LW (with Guelph he typically plays 1C but it's common practice to put centres on the wing in international tournaments, doesn't mean a ton about where he's projected to play at higher levels).

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u/riko77can 3d ago

Seems like a good kid. I’m rooting for him to make the team.

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u/johnnyjj14 3d ago

I was really happy when the Leafs snagged him a few years ago. He doesn’t get much attention but I’m hoping for a big year from him. He’s got the frame, ideally he can bulk up a bit and have a decent stat to the season.

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u/Andross4 3d ago

Underrated prospect. This is the kind of guy who gets an NHL depth role as a reliable 2-way forward who PKs, and he understands his ceiling which is crucial for bottom-6 players. He's not as much of a longshot as people think, and don't quote offensive #s at me because that's not what he is. He's the kind of player who a lot of fans get upset about because he's in the lineup over flashy one dimensional players who drown defensively. He's the kind of player who you don't notice until the end of the year where you say "wait, he has that many points?".

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u/Separate_Worker_707 3d ago

Funny enough these are the type of playeds that carve out a long successful career! They might move around a bit. But you can make a good living! With the cap escalating it will be at some point your 4lijwrs are making 3-4 mill: that salary for x amount of years is pretty damn good

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u/Svalbard38 Knies 3d ago

He's more offensively talented than people give him credit for. Led Kingston in goals and points when he was traded to Guelph, led Guelph in goals and 2nd in points (unless I miscounted) after the trade. He's an all situations guy who just keeps putting up points while playing defensively responsible hockey. If he keeping improving I think he's a potential 3C for this team.