Toronto Marlies sign prospects Tyler Hopkins, Harry Nansi to amateur tryouts

Both of these forwards were selected during the 2025 National Hockey League Entry Draft out of the Ontario Hockey League. They will join the Marlies after their respective clubs, the Guelph Storm and Owen Sound Attack, were swept in the first round of the OHL playoffs. 

Hopkins, selected in the third round, 86th overall, as a member of the Kingston Frontenacs, appeared in 56 games this season with both the Frontenacs and the Guelph Storm after a mid-season trade. The 19-year-old totalled a career-high in goals with 25 and posted 25 assists, to sit one point off his career high of 51 points set last year. In four playoff games, Hopkins chipped in two goals. 

Nansi was selected in the fifth round, 153rd overall, and took major strides this season, setting career highs in every offensive category. In 67 games, the 18-year-old recorded 13 goals and 43 assists, tying for the team lead in assists and third most points among all Attack forwards with 56. 

During his draft-eligible season, Nansi recorded seven goals and 16 points, so the 56 points represent more than a double from his previous career high of 23 from 2024-25. In four playoff games, Nansi was held scoreless, as the Attack faced a very strong Flint Firebirds team. Nansi was on of the youngest players drafted in 2025, being only one week shy of draft-eligible for the 2026 draft, so the Maple Leafs may have found themselves a gem in the later rounds. 

The additions of these two forwards continue to add to the Marlies club, looking to clinch a playoff berth with five games remaining in the regular season. The Maple Leafs signed NCAA free agents Vincent Borgesi and Brandon Buhr in March, and both skaters have now appeared in five AHL games.  

While both players are likely slated to return to the OHL next season, getting a taste at the professional level is a good start for a Maple Leafs club looking to develop a better home-grown prospect pool after years of moving picks and prospects at the deadline. 

PRESENTED BY TABLE FARE + SOCIAL