After a bit of a wait, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Norwegian forward Tinus Luc Koblar with the 64th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-3 center currently plays for Leksands in the Swedish under-20 league.
While not a major point producer—with just eight goals and 13 assists in 45 games last season—Koblar is known for his playmaking and puck distribution. His skating is an area the Leafs will need to develop, but he is projected as a potential middle-six forward. Combined with his size, his strong net-front presence suggests he could blossom into a valuable contributor. He also brings strong defensive skills that should translate well to the NHL level as the Leafs work on other areas of his game. Having played for Norway’s national junior teams, he is experienced in all situations.
The Leafs were surely impressed by his recent playoff performance, where Koblar excelled for Leksands by scoring four goals in seven games. According to head scout Mark Leach, the organization looks for players who have a history of excelling in key moments. Certainly, Toronto sees that upside in the young forward.
After getting drafted, Koblar addressed the media:
He described being drafted as an "unreal experience" filled with "true pleasure" and excitement.
* Affection for the Maple Leafs: He's been a fan of the Maple Leafs since childhood, admiring the organization. Noted that he had a Leafs jersey going up although it didn't have a name.
* Influence of Parents: His parents, both high-level athletes (his mome is a biathlete and his dad alpine skier), played a "huge role" in his competitiveness. He dislikes losing.
* Areas for Improvement: Koblar says he wants to become more physical and use his body more effectively.
* Favorite Player: He admired Anze Kopitar growing up. Koblar was born in Slovenia.
* Family Reaction: His mother was "super happy," and his father (an alpine coach) reacted with enthusiastic screaming.
* Family Background & Move to Norway: Born in Slovenia to Olympic-level athlete parents, they moved to Norway because his father became an alpine coach for the Norwegian national team.
* Next Year's Goals: He hopes to play in the SHL (Swedish Hockey League) next year.
* Relationship with Leksands teammate Victor Johansson, whom the Leafs drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 NHL Draft: He has a great relationship with Victor Johansson (another Leafs prospect) who has only said positive things about Toronto.
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(Top photo: Maple Leafs / YouTube)