Toronto Maple Leafs' Top Prospects Update

Hope springs eternal for diehard hockey fans, and Toronto Maple Leafs fans are some of the most hopeful in the game. Despite not having much to cheer about over the past decade, Leafs fans remain some of the most loyal and passionate in the entire league.

Lean years are ahead, but the club does have some promising youngsters. There seems to be a commitment to allowing these players to develop and ensuring that the minor league system is a high priority.

Club president Brendan Shanahan played in one of the best organizations in hockey, at least in recent years, by playing with the Detroit Red Wings. He seems to have learned a lot from mentors like former head coach Scotty Bowman and current general manager Ken Holland.

With all of this in mind, let's take a look at how the Leafs' top prospects have fared in 2014-15.

Honorable mentions go to Carter Verhaeghe, Matt Finn and Rinat Valiev.

Josh Leivo, LW, Toronto Marlies

Josh Leivo is going to be a regular NHL forward in the very near future. Expect him to crack Toronto's lineup as early as next year in a top-nine role.

Leivo had 32 points in 51 games with the Toronto Marlies in 2014-15. He played just nine games with the Leafs this year, but that's a good thing for his overall development. The losing culture has to stop with the big club.

With the Marlies enjoying some success over the past few seasons, it will be important for the young players to bring some confidence with them to the NHL level. The 6'2" winger has five points in three playoff games in what could be a breakout campaign.

Drafted 86th overall in 2011, Leivo looks to be one of those rare players who will develop within the Leafs organization and become an impact NHL player. The team needs this to become a regular occurrence.

Connor Brown, RW, Toronto Marlies

Connor Brown made an impressive transition to the professional ranks in his first year in the AHL. He posted 21 goals and 61 points in 76 games in 2014-15.

Brown is a dynamic offensive player who has scored at every level he has played. At under 6'0" and well under 200 pounds, the issue will be his ability to withstand NHL physicality.

Brown led the OHL in scoring in his final season, so his talent is unquestioned. While he's a good skater, he's not a great one. That may also prove to be a hindrance moving forward. However, his work ethic is excellent, and if there is one minor league skater to root for, it's Brown.

If he continues to develop his two-way game, he could make the jump to the NHL. The sixth-round pick in 2012 was plus-24 in 2014-15, which demonstrates some responsible three-zone play.

Frederik Gauthier, C, Rimouski Oceanic

At just 20 years old, Frederik Gauthier is one of the brighter prospects in the Leafs' stable. At over 6'4" and 200 pounds, Gauthier has size and decent puck skills that should translate well to the NHL.

Gauthier doesn't project as a top-line centre, but there is good reason to believe he can play on the second or third line at the NHL level. The 21st overall pick in 2013 sustained a rib injury this season but still earned 32 points in 37 regular-season games.

He was great in a two-way role for the gold medal-winning Canadian team at this year's IIHF World Junior Championships.

Gauthier registered 13 points in 13 QMJHL playoff games on a powerful Rimouski team. With change expected in Toronto next season, expect the hulking Gauthier to get a long look in training camp.

A season with the Marlies may be in order first. There's no need to rush this talented prospect.

Stuart Percy, D, Toronto Marlies

Stuart Percy was close to sticking with the Leafs this season. It may say a lot about the Leafs' organizational depth or may indicate that Percy has emerged as a blue-chip prospect within the system.

Percy doesn't do anything extremely well, but he doesn't have any noticeable warts either. There is a calmness to his game, and the 25th overall pick in 2011 can control play with his mobility and puck skills. He's a puck-mover who will be a key top-four defender with the Leafs if he keeps progressing.

Percy had just 11 points in 43 games during the regular season with the Marlies, as he's battled injuries this season. The native of Mississauga, Ontario, won't turn 22 years old for a few more weeks and has time to continue developing into a regular NHLer.

William Nylander, F, Toronto Marlies

William Nylander is on a path to stardom. The eighth overall pick in 2014 had a very successful AHL campaign in 2014-15, earning 32 points in 37 games—and he did this as an 18-year-old.

The young Swede is the most talented skater in the Leafs organization not playing in the NHL. He's got great hands, is lightning-quick and willing to go in the scoring areas. This willingness to play in the high-traffic areas will separate him from the pack at the NHL level.

The more experience he can get in the AHL playoffs, the better. He's racked up two assists in three postseason games thus far.

He'll be given every chance to make the big club next year. Don't bet against him.

All stats can be found on TheAHL.com and hockeyDB.com.