Two Toronto Maple Leafs prospects making a major impact

Two Toronto Maple Leafs Draft Picks Thriving Overseas

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a strong history of identifying talent in the NHL Draft that eventually develops into impactful players at the highest level. Current roster regulars such as Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Matthew Knies highlight that success, while prospects like Easton Cowan and Nick Robertson are viewed as future contributors.

That list could grow in the coming years, as two Leafs draft picks—Alexander Plesovskikh and Wyatt Schingoethe—are producing impressive results while playing overseas.

Alexander Plesovskikh

17 goals, 33 points in 34 games

Selected in the fifth round (152nd overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft, Plesovskikh is enjoying a strong season with MHK Spartak Moskva in Russia’s MHL. The 19-year-old ranks second on his team in both goals and points and has been particularly productive of late, recording five points in his last five games and seven points over his last 10 outings.

Plesovskikh is building on a breakout campaign last season, when he posted 38 points (15 goals, 23 assists) in 50 games—good for third on the team. A smooth skater with quickness and agility, he also uses his six-foot-one frame effectively in puck battles. While he has yet to play on North American ice, continued offensive production could eventually bring him closer to the Leafs organization.

Wyatt Schingoethe

15 goals, 26 points in 15 games

Drafted in the seventh round (195th overall) in 2020, Schingoethe is making a major impact in his first season with the Stuttgart Rebels in Germany’s Oberliga. The 23-year-old forward has eight points in his last five games and 16 points across his last 10, placing him second on the team in goals and sixth in overall scoring.

Before heading overseas, Schingoethe spent four seasons in the NCAA with Western Michigan University, where he totaled 17 points. He has already surpassed that point total—and nearly doubled his goal output—in just 15 games with Stuttgart. If his production continues at this pace, a return to North America and a chance within the Leafs system could be on the horizon.

Looking Ahead

Both Plesovskikh and Schingoethe remain developmental projects with plenty left to prove, but their performances overseas are difficult to ignore. Should their strong play continue, each could move closer to joining the Toronto Maple Leafs organization in the coming years.