The Toronto Maple Leafs may have gained an important advantage before the 2026-27 season. The team promoted John Gruden from the Toronto Marlies to Jim Hiller’s NHL coaching staff.

Gruden did not just earn a promotion because of his success in the AHL. He also knows almost every top prospect in Toronto’s system.

Gruden earned his NHL job after leading the Marlies to the 2025-26 Calder Cup. He also finished with a 117-112 regular-season record. His experience could help Toronto evaluate its young players during training camp.

Gruden has worked with many young players over the past three seasons. He coached prospects like William Villeneuve and Ryan Tverberg, so he knows how much they have improved. He also knows Easton Cowan and Ben Danford very well.

Because of this, he can give the Maple Leafs coaching staff valuable information that scouting reports or a few preseason games cannot provide.

Charlie McAfee of Hockey Patrol reported that general manager John Chayka will make the final roster decisions. But Gruden’s opinion can help the team decide which young players are ready for the NHL and which should stay in the AHL a little longer.

His experience can help Toronto make better decisions for both the present and the future.

Gruden’s familiarity won’t guarantee promotions, but it can shape Toronto’s decisions

The same Hockey Patrol report said Gruden will not give players special treatment. Every prospect must earn an NHL roster spot by playing well.

William Villeneuve is a good example. He has played more than 200 AHL games and has become a reliable defenseman with the Marlies. But he has played only three NHL games.

He must have a strong training camp to make Toronto’s opening-night roster. Easton Cowan also needs to keep improving after his first NHL season. Ben Danford will likely spend more time in the AHL before fighting for a full-time NHL job.

Gruden also knows players like Marshall Rifai very well. His experience can help Toronto decide which prospects deserve more chances and which players could become trade pieces.

John Gruden has built a strong reputation for helping young players improve, so his promotion to the NHL coaching staff makes sense.

In the end, Gruden’s biggest job is not to give prospects NHL spots. His job is to help the Maple Leafs choose the truly ready players.

Gruden has worked closely with almost every top prospect in the system. His knowledge will not guarantee anyone an NHL job, but it can help Toronto make better decisions about its young players.

What do you think? Can Gruden help the Maple Leafs get the best from their prospect pool? Let us know in the comments.