Who Are the Leafs' New ATO Signings? Meet Prospects Tyler Hopkins and Harry Nansi

The Toronto Marlies are bolstering their lineup for the final stretch of the 2025-26 season, and they’ve looked to the OHL for reinforcements. The club announced today that they have signed forwards Tyler Hopkins and Harry Nansi to Amateur Tryout (ATO) contracts.

This isn't just a late-season depth move; it’s a clear look at two Toronto Maple Leafs prospects the organization believes are ready to shed their "junior" status and transition into the pro ranks in the near future. 

Here is everything you need to know about the newest additions to the Marlies.

Tyler Hopkins: The 200-Foot Workhorse Center

Selected in the 3rd round (86th overall) by Toronto in the 2025 NHL Draft, Tyler Hopkins has spent the 2025-26 OHL season proving why the Leafs prioritized his high floor and hockey IQ. After a mid-season trade from Kingston to the Guelph Storm, Hopkins blossomed into a true number-one center. Hopkins progression this year has internally gone a long way to reducing the long-term impact of the loss of Fraser Minten, displaying a similar skill set. 

The Stats & Strengths:

• Career Year: Capped off his OHL regular season with a career-high 25 goals and 50 points.

• Elite Faceoff Man: Dominates the dot, hovering near a 55% win rate at the junior level.

• Special Teams Specialist: Leads Guelph in short-handed goals and primary power-play minutes.

• The "Coach's Pet": Regularly logs over 22 minutes of ice time while matched up against the opposition's top lines.

NHL Comparable: Phillip Danault

Hopkins plays a game that won’t always lead the highlight reel, but it wins championships. Like Phillip Danault, he is a puck-possession monster who prioritizes defensive positioning. He doesn't cheat for offense, making him a seamless, plug-and-play fit for the Marlies' structured system. 

Source: Tyler Hopkins @ Elite Prospects

Harry Nansi: The High-Ceiling Power Forward

If Hopkins is the "safe" bet, Harry Nansi is the "home run" swing. Taken in the 5th round (153rd overall) in 2025, Nansi has undergone a massive physical and statistical transformation. Standing at 6'3", Nansi was recently voted the OHL’s Most Improved Player in the annual coaches' poll.

The Stats & Strengths:

• Offensive Explosion: Made a staggering leap from 23 points last season to 56 points (13G, 43A) this year.

• Consistent Threat: Spent the back half of the season on a double-digit point streak, proving that his playmaking ability is rapidly catching up to his massive frame.

NHL Comparable: Quinton Byfield (Lite)

Nansi uses his long reach to shield pucks in a way that reminds scouts of a raw Quinton Byfield. He’s a "rink-long" player who can confidently carry the puck from his own goal line to the offensive zone, using his sheer size to create space for his linemates.

Source: Harry Nansi @ Elite Prospects

Why These ATOs Signal a Full-Time Jump in 2026-27

The decision to bring both players in on ATOs right now is telling. Typically, the Maple Leafs organization uses these late-season AHL stints as an "orientation" for prospects they intend to sign to entry-level contracts (ELCs) in the summer.

• Professional Readiness: Hopkins already plays a "pro-style" game. There is very little left for him to learn at the OHL level regarding defensive structure and responsibility.

• Physical Maturity: Nansi has filled out his 6'3" frame significantly over the last 12 months. The Marlies want to see exactly how that newly acquired strength translates against grown men before training camp.

• Roster Vacancies: With several Marlies veterans expected to hit free agency or push for NHL spots next year, the "Blue and White" are actively clearing a path for these two to be cornerstone pieces of the 2027-28 AHL squad.

Expect to see both Hopkins and Nansi in the Marlies' lineup as early as this weekend. If they can handle the speed and physicality of the AHL game now, don't be surprised when they're absolute locks for the opening night roster next October.

Due to signing an amateur tryout, both players maintain their NCAA eligibility for next season.