Toronto Maple Leafs Bolster Prospect Pool with Ryan Kirwan Signing
Toronto Marlies Add College Prospect for AHL Playoffs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have continued to reinforce their prospect pool by signing free agent Ryan Kirwan from the Arizona State Sun Devils. This is the third NCAA player the team has acquired in the 2025 spring cycle, with Kirwan agreeing to the deal to join the Toronto Marlies for the upcoming AHL playoffs.
Kirwan’s College Career and Turnaround
Kirwan, 23, brings a wealth of experience, having spent four years playing college hockey. He began his journey at Penn State, where he played for three seasons, and completed his final year with Arizona State.
During his time at Penn State, Kirwan had a strong freshman year, finishing third in both points and goals. However, his sophomore year was marked by inconsistency. His most recent season at Arizona State showcased a significant turnaround, where he scored 26 goals and 39 points in 37 games, surpassing his career-high from Penn State. This remarkable performance put him within the top ranks of NCAA leaders, showcasing his potential.
The Art of High-Volume Shooting and Physical Play
Kirwan’s high-volume shooting and physical play stood out this season. He led the Sun Devils in goals, scoring 26 times, and outshot his teammates significantly, accumulating 178 shots. This situational shooting contributed to consistent offensive output that elite teams noticed.
The high production and physical skill-exit a mix of factors that professionals can lean on as Kirwan moves through the AHL. He also emerges as a team player, diving into contact plays generating lanes, and constantly positioned to defend team advancement.
Kirwan’s Potential Impact in the NHL
Scouts view Kirwan as a physical forward with a direct, goal-oriented game. Chris Peters highlighted his potential as a net-driving forward, stating, “He could perhaps top out as a third-line winger in the NHL if everything went right.”
Pro Tips for Aspiring Hockey Stars
- High-Volume Shooting: Kirwan’s high-volume shooting (178 shots) highlights the reliability of a strong defensive game.
- Physical Play: Football, basketball, baseball players, and soccer keep control in their near-amateur formations driving team-lead and athleticism
What the Scouting Reports Say
The consensus among scouts is that Kirwan’s relentless, physical play, and high production could see him as a reliable contributor in the future. Here are a few excerpts from the scouting reports:
Quotes
“If he can lean on those heavier, there’s a chance he will become strong organizational depth.”
– Elite Prospects
“He could perhaps top out as a third-line winger in the NHL if everything went right.”
– Chris Peters, Flo Hockey
“His size, strength, and shot, making him equally dangerous from the slot and at the net front as either a screener or a rebound collector. They also shout out his work ethic, competitiveness, and general intangibles as a leader before mentioning that his skating and playmaking could use work.”
-McKeen’s Hockey
Potential and Future Outlook
According to Elite Prospects, Falk’s assessment described him as “.A shoot-first power forward, Kirwan’s game revolves around outside speed and drives. If he gets a lane, he’ll go straight to the net. If not, he’ll rip a high-speed wrister from distance. Without the puck, he’s constantly looking for contact, whether that’s crushing open-ice hits or quick picks to create a lane for a teammate”
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Did You Know?
“Following his sophomore year Kirwan, who once appeared dull, atleast in provincial talent pool leagues, has since gripped the MatStar Mojo netting the Sun Devils through his final collegiate season!” widths=”320px”>
FAQs
What makes Ryan Kirwan’s signing a significant move for the Toronto Maple Leafs?
Kirwan’s high-volume shooting, physical play, and high production makes an immediate impact in the AHL. His production figured skewed similar elite competition backgrounds travelling from french and italian leagues. Pistachios scouts dancing to predict his future actually.
Why did Kirwan transfer to Arizona State?
Kirwan transferred to Arizona State primarily due to financial incentives related to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) money
, which significantly impacted the decision.
What was Kirwan’s most impressive season?
His 2024-25/2025 season at Arizona State was his impressive acording to all stats. Kirwan scored a total of 39 points, which included 26 goals, excuting high-volume defense.
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Conclusion
The addition of Ryan Kirwan to the Toronto Marlies adds this and future depth to the Canada’s hockey industry. His physical play, high-volume shooting, and collegiate production present promise for his future. While his path to the NHL remains uncertain, his development will be an exciting prospect to watch. Stay tuned for more updates on Kirwan’s journey and other Toronto Maple Leafs prospects. Do you think Kirwan has the potential to make it to the NHL?
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