Ryan Tverberg is 24 years old, and if you’re deep into prospect watch, you know that’s a number that screams “now or never” for an NHL hopeful. This guy is literally just seven months away from aging out of those coveted “top young player” lists, and for anyone not a regular in the show by then, the path to the big time gets incredibly narrow. Despite all that, Tverberg’s journey shows exactly why you can’t count out a player with pure grit and heart.
The Seventh-Round Gamble That Paid Off
Remember the weird 2020 draft? Zoom calls, running late, and the Maple Leafs, at 7:12 pm on October 7th, swapped seventh-round picks with Boston just to snag Tverberg. It was a calculated move for a kid from Richmond Hill, and their scouts, who went against the grain when nobody else had him ranked, were absolutely right. Tverberg, originally drafted at 5’11” and 175 lbs, has bulked up to 187 lbs, turning into a much, much better player than you’d ever expect from a 213th overall pick. He started his hockey career going the NCAA route when it wasn’t the norm, had a slow start like many rookies, and then found his scoring touch. He hit the Marlies at 21, again starting slow, then grinding his way into a solid AHL career.
Glimpses of the Big Stage and an Evolving Game
Injuries have sprinkled his career, but last season was his busiest yet: a whopping 63 regular season games and 24 playoff appearances for the Marlies. He even got two games with the big club, playing in the Leafs’ final two matches last season. You remember those games, right? The ones they desperately needed to lose to keep their first-round pick. In his home debut against Dallas, he played 9:07, snagged a two-minute tripping minor against Mikko Rantanen, and watched the Leafs lose on a third-period comeback fueled by an own goal. His second game, a loss to the Senators, saw him on the ice for 10:40 without incident. The initial scouting report on Tverberg, a player willing to engage physically, block shots, and an obvious energy guy, still holds true. He used to get knocked off the puck easily, but as a “mature man” now, that’s less of an issue.
Work Ethic That Commands Respect
So, will he ever be more than a two-game NHLer? The signs, honestly, point to no. But here’s the thing: his success is purely down to his hard work and commitment. Marlies fans absolutely adore him because that work ethic and enthusiasm are palpable every single shift. He had a great season this past year, showing everyone he’s far from just an average late-round pick. While other seventh-rounders like Louis Crevier have busted past 100 NHL games, and Devon Levi might get there, Tverberg’s story is about maximizing every ounce of potential despite the long odds. His consistent effort is what you gotta love, and it’s what makes every single game he plays for the Marlies something to keep an eye on.
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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