The Maple Leafs went into the 2020 NHL draft with a wealth of draft capital; this was a different time. Pre-Covid, and pre-contending phase, they selected 11 players in this draft. Tverberg was the last pick. Taken in the seventh round, 213th overall; Toronto made an additional move to secure the selection. The scouting department clearly identified untapped potential in the Richmond Hill native, and so far, he’s more than validated their belief in him. In fact, there is a world where Tverberg ends up being a better draft pick and player than the other 10 players Toronto selected, he’s already further along than the majority…
Tverberg originally committed to Harvard and was scheduled to play for the Crimson before the pandemic hit. The Ivy-league powerhouse was one of the first NCAA schools to shut down their winter sports semester, which forced Tverberg to select an alternative. He landed on the University of Connecticut Huskies and didn’t miss a beat. Despite playing only 14 games in what technically became his freshman year, Tverberg notched four goals and three assists after nearly a year away from competitive hockey.
Despite joining late and not playing a traditional NCAA season, Tverberg earned his plaudits. He earned an invitation to Team Canada’s selection camp for the 2021 World Juniors. While he wasn’t chosen for the final roster, it was vindicating enough to be invited, and another notch in the Richmond Hill, ON native’s belt.
Maple Leafs prospect Ryan Tverberg explains how he went from being a 7th round pick to vying for a spot on Team Canada’s World Juniors team. pic.twitter.com/TvC32gJr9K
— Sergei (@berezin_goal) December 10, 2021
His confidence clearly continued into his sophomore year with the Huskies, as he led the team with 14 goals and added 18 assists in 36 games. Proving this was no fluke, he followed it up with 15 goals and 15 assists in 35 games, capping his junior year.
After his third season as a Husky, Tverberg earned and signed an entry-level contract with the Leafs, beginning his professional career. He appeared in seven games with the Marlies to close out the 2022-23 season. Just as he was beginning to find his feet at the professional level, an injury limited his involvement as the season winded down.
This brings us to this past year, Tverberg’s rookie professional season with the Marlies. Throughout the campaign, Tverberg overcame injury and learned what it took to be a professional. Coming from the NCAA, it can be harder to acclimate to a professional schedule. Players that take the collegiate route can only play in a maximum of ~40 games, which obviously doesn’t provide as much ‘long season’ experience as other junior leagues.
That being said, Tverberg assimilated quite well. He dealt with some injury issues in the first half of the season and ended up being a trusted player for the Marlies in any situation. Perhaps the highlight of his season came in a blowout victory against Belleville, where he notched four goals and five points.
Ryan Tverberg buries his 4th goal of the night. Statement game from the first year pro pic.twitter.com/DnT7pegIE4
— Kyle Cushman (@Kyle_Cush) January 13, 2024
With many prospects, the point totals can be the be-all or end-all. That’s the beauty of Tverberg’s game. His speed and work ethic continue to translate at every level he plays at. Not to overlook his point total either, as he notched 32 in 46 games played. There is no reason why he can’t eclipse that heading into this campaign. His dogged determination and sheer recklessness on the ice continue to drag his stock higher and higher.
Looking ahead here at the 2024-25 season, Tverberg will continue to be leaned upon within the organization. First and foremost, everyone will be hoping he can suit up and play a full healthy season. Beyond that, he will have every opportunity to play an important role with the Toronto Marlies. He will be trusted on both sides of special teams, giving him more chances to develop.
At the very least, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ former seventh-rounder is a solid AHL player and gives the organization some strong depth. That being said, Tverberg seems destined for more. His game translates to a depth role in the NHL, and perhaps beyond that if he continues to develop. If he stays healthy and continues to grow, there is no reason why he couldn’t receive a call-up to the Maple Leafs later on this campaign. The 22-year-old continues to punch above his weight, and I’m excited to watch the heights he hopefully hits this season.
