Maple Leafs prospect checkpoint: How has Ryan Tverberg fared through 5 months of 2025-26?
In his rookie season with the Toronto Marlies, Tverberg put up a decent showing with nine goals and 23 assists in 46 games played. Then last year, those numbers dropped to just four goals and seven assists through the same number of appearances. Taking a major step down instead of a step forward, it was a disappointment of a season, and this year Tverberg needed to show he could return to form.
Tverberg was originally selected in the seventh round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft while playing college hockey with the University of Connecticut. In three seasons with Connecticut, the Richmond Hill native had 33 goals and 69 points in 85 games. At the conclusion of the 2022-23 NCAA season, he made his Marlies debut with a seven-game stint to end the year.
The backslide offensively could be more purposeful and rather an acknowledgement of where he’ll fit in the organization. If the natural creativity and offensive skill isn’t there and most of his offensive numbers to date being a result of being a plucky, stick-to-itiveness type of player, embracing a checking role on the Marlies to prepare him for a similar role as a Leafs call up is valid. And while Tverberg may lack the size that Leafs want in their lineup, effort/whatever it takes approach can keep his name on the depth chart. Realistically, the Leafs want to see the offence too and a Leafs roster that is overflowing with bottom-six role players that will block even the top Leafs prospects from potentially getting a look in the NHL this season, Tverberg’s 2025-26 season is more about proving that he is deserving of a contract renewal to continue with the Marlies rather than pushing for the Leafs this season.
Failing to improve his production significantly, Tverberg hasn’t made too compelling a case for staying in Toronto’s system beyond this summer. If Tverberg is still hopeful for a run at the NHL, his future may lie with another organization.