Latest Updates on Top Prospects for Toronto Maple Leafs by Position

With little to cheer for in the here and now, it's a good time to focus on what the future may hold for Toronto Maple Leafs fans.

The organization has to continue to stock its ECHL and AHL teams with good prospects. Building from within is easier said than done, but it's clear that the top NHL teams do this better than the perennial also-rans. The Leafs are clearly the latter.

This process takes time and patience from all involved. Rushing young prospects to the NHL before they are ready not only slows down their maturation, but it can also damage them permanently. It is the rare 18-year-old skater who can excel in hockey's best league.

Let's get an update on the top Maple Leafs prospects by position as the 2014-15 regular season winds down. Honorable mentions are included at each position. I have identified the players who I believe have the greatest potential, rather than the players who are the most NHL-ready.

Antoine Bibeau, Goaltender

Antoine Bibeau has good size at 6'2" and 210 pounds. While not a giant in today's game, he makes up for this with his athleticism.

Like many young goaltenders, Bibeau has to improve his positional play and other fundamentals. He's a battler who never seems to give up on a play, which will serve him well as a professional.

Bibeau is just 21 years old, so there is absolutely no reason to rush him to the NHL. He's earned a 2.81 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage for a mediocre Toronto Marlies team this season.

He's shared duties with Christopher Gibson, who also shows good promise. Bibeau isn't ready to make the jump to the NHL next season, but if his game continues to improve, expect him to be a Leaf in the following season.

Honorable Mention: Christopher Gibson

Stuart Percy, Defenceman

Stuart Percy is on the cusp of being a regular NHL blueliner. He's played most of the year with the Marlies, but has been better than average at the NHL level with three points in nine games this year.

He's had just six points in 31 games with the Marlies, but in the little that I've seen him play, he seems to be focused on playing a more complete, two-way game.

Percy is an intelligent player who is rarely out of position. At 6'1" and 193 pounds, Percy is not going to intimidate anyone physically. His calling card is going to be strong defensive play, good outlet passes and an ability to log high minutes.

Given the expected turnover in Leafland next year, expect Percy to be an NHL regular in 2015-16.

Honorable Mentions: Rinat Valiev and Matt Finn

Josh Leivo, Winger

Josh Leivo has proved to be a very good third-round pick from the 2011 NHL draft. He's proof that patience and allowing young players to develop at the minor-league level is key.

Leivo has displayed all of the qualities that teams seek in a bottom-six forward in today's game. He's a good skater who takes the body whenever he can. He plays a disciplined, two-way game and can play in all game situations. He's been a good point producer at the AHL level with 42 points last season and 23 points in 38 games this year.

He's not going to be an NHL superstar, but he should be a solid NHLer who has grown within the Leafs organization. Those players have been in short supply in recent history.

Honorable Mention: Connor Brown

William Nylander, Centre

William Nylander has played much of his career at centre and is listed as such in most publications. We'll categorize him that way here, but expect him to be an NHL winger.

Nylander has all of the tools to be an exceptional offensive player. He's scored consistently at every level he has played at, including this year in the AHL with the Marlies.

He's earned 16 points in 22 games with the Marlies. He's adjusted very well to the demanding AHL game. In some ways this shouldn't be surprising, as he did play some of his youth hockey in North America when his father, Michael Nylander, was toiling in the NHL in a handful of NHL cities.

Nylander has the skills to be a first-line NHLer. He may need to build to that over a season or two, but don't be shocked if the 18-year-old makes the team out of training camp next season. Increasing his upper-body strength and his willingness to go to the tough areas on the ice are areas that need improvement.

While some more AHL experience may be needed, the Leafs will do well to ensure that Nylander's best interests are met. If the club adds a talented centre in this year's draft, the Leafs could have a dynamic scoring duo for the next decade.

Honorable Mention: Frederik Gauthier 

All stats found on either hockeyDB.com or TheAHL.com unless otherwise noted.