Ranking the Top 5 Prospects for Toronto Maple Leafs at 2014 Training Camp

The Toronto Maple Leafs should have a few prospects pushing for roster spots at training camp. Other than in goal, a handful of prospects should have a chance to join the Leafs at the NHL level in 2014-15.

The team should be deeper on the third and fourth lines with the veterans that have been added during the offseason. However, that does not mean that young prospects will not get a fair shot at some roster spots. 

While the Leafs are unlikely to be a Stanley Cup contender in 2014-15, a playoff spot should be their focus.

Let's rank the top five Maple Leafs prospects in order of likelihood to play in the NHL this season. Prospect status is based on being under 25 years of age and not having played in 65 NHL games or more.

5. William Nylander, Winger

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William Nylander has all-world talent that should see him be an impact NHL player for several years.

He's the most talented prospect in the Leafs' stable right now, so he merits mention on a list like this. However, it would be rather surprising to see him playing in the NHL this season.

The Leafs have some options with Nylander since he's not been a CHL player. He can play in the AHL, unlike most other young prospects. He needs to get stronger, but he has proven that he can compete against men.

Expect the speedy forward to end up with the Toronto Marlies or back in the Swedish Elite League. A rash of injuries could change the situation, but at the very least, Leafs fans will get a taste of Nylander's speed and great hands at training camp.

4. Frederik Gauthier, Centre

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NEWARK, NJ - JUNE 30: Frederik Gauthier, 21st overall pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs, poses for a portrait during the 2013 NHL Draft at Prudential Center on June 30, 2013 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images)

At 6'4" and 215 pounds, Frederik Gauthier is NHL-ready in terms of his physical growth. While his skating and mobility remain works in progress, he's a good skater for his size.

Gauthier cannot be sent to the AHL due to his age, so if he doesn't play in the NHL, he'll be back in the QMJHL. 

The Leafs added a lot of depth in their bottom-six forward group, so Gauthier is going to have to be very impressive to crack the NHL roster.

If Gauthier is not going to play regularly at the NHL level, it will make much more sense to have him play an expanded role in junior. Dominating against his peers will help his confidence and his decision-making ability.

He's a good prospect; expect him to be a very good third-line player when he does make the jump to the NHL. 

3. Carter Ashton, Winger

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Carter Ashton played 32 NHL games last season. He posted just three points, but he did display some solid two-way play on the wing.

Ashton earned 23 points in 24 AHL regular-season games in 2013-14. He tallied another nine points in the AHL playoffs.

These are promising numbers from the Winnipeg, Manitoba native, and he may be too good for the AHL at this stage of his career.

The 6'3" winger is able to play a physical game down low. That may be the way he is able to earn an NHL roster spot in 2014.

2. Stuart Percy, Defenceman

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Stuart Percy has all the tools to be a very good all-around NHL defender. He's a mobile defenceman who displays a lot of poise with the puck.

Percy played his first full season in the AHL in 2013-14 and earned 25 points in 71 games. He was also plus-four over the course of the season. He has offensive skills that should make him a top-four NHL blueliner.

He's no lock to make the big club out of training camp, but expect the Oakville, Ontario native to be in the mix with fellow youngster Petter Granberg. 

1. Josh Leivo, Winger

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Josh Leivo's calling card is his adaptability and his versatility. Leivo is a powerful skater who can contribute in all game situations.

He plays a power game that is well-suited to a top-nine role at the NHL level. Leivo played his first full season in the minor leagues last season, notching 42 points in 59 games. 

Expect Leivo to push the veterans at training camp and make it very difficult for the organization to send him back to the Toronto Marlies.

All player stats can be found on hockeyDB.com.