Tyler Hopkins, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 2025 86th overall pick, just landed at #12 on the 2026 T25U25 list, and let me tell you, this kid is exactly the kind of two-way center this organization has been drooling over for what feels like forever. He’s 19.44 years old, stands 6’1″, weighs 183 lbs, and shoots left, fitting that coveted mold perfectly.
From Kingston to Guelph: A Shift in Production and Location
Hopkins was drafted with the rep of being that speedy, defensive center who could absolutely lock things down, showing it off with OHL Kingston and for Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky and World U18s. Last season, things got interesting when he was traded from Kingston to Guelph. That’s a big deal because Guelph is hosting the Memorial Cup this year and they’ve been going all-in, rebuilding to prepare for this coming season. His production saw a small step forward, and yeah, points aren’t his main ticket to the show anyway, so don’t let that fool you. What *really* matters is where he improved, and it wasn’t a small thing.
Unlocking a New Level of Physical Dominance
Honestly, the biggest improvement for Hopkins last year was how consistent and intense his physical and defensive game became. Before, his defensive impact was mostly smart positioning, reading plays, and stick work. But last season? He started throwing his weight around! We’re talking exerting himself along the boards and in front of the net, sealing off his man with proactive body positioning to win loose pucks. Plus, he ramped up his speed on back checks and physically closed gaps in his own end, ditching the passive defense for an aggressive, in-your-face style. This new physical edge also translated offensively; he got way better at getting the puck off the boards, protecting it, and keeping possession down low and around the net. He even showcased an improved shot, which helped him boost his goal scoring and scoring chance rate by a noteworthy amount. Some voters put him higher, one even had him at #8, while another had him at #20, but that just shows the range of potential we’re talking about here.
So, what’s next? Hopkins is with Guelph, gearing up for a Memorial Cup host season. He’s proven he can evolve his game beyond just smarts to raw physical impact and increased offensive pop. Keep your eyes on him, because this two-way beast could seriously be a factor in Toronto’s future center depth.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pension Plan Puppets.
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