The Toronto Maple Leafs went through a large portion of the disaster that was the 2025-26 season without giving their young players any meaningful looks, but with the team now officially eliminated from playoff contention, their hand has been forced. Last Wednesday’s game against the Washington Capitals brought the NHL debut of Luke Haymes, Saturday’s game against the Florida Panthers saw defenceman William Villeneuve make his NHL debut, and now, 2020 seventh-round pick Ryan Tverberg is set to play his first NHL game against the Dallas Stars.

Tverberg was a lesser-known prospect when he was drafted, playing for the Toronto Jr. Canadiens of the OJHL in his draft year, but he earned an entry-level contract after a successful tenure with the University of Connecticut. After a solid rookie season with the Toronto Marlies, a poor sophomore season, and a much better third season, he finally got his long-awaited call-up to the NHL and spoke about the difficulties he faced on his way to the NHL.

“Just a lot of hard work,” Tverberg told reporters on Monday morning when asked how he would sum up his journey to the NHL. “I had to go through some injuries and a lot of, just a lot of hardships, but in the end, I still feel pretty good.”

Tverberg said that he expects to have some family and friends from Richmond Hill driving down to take in his NHL debut. While the Maple Leafs don’t have anything to play for at the moment (or rather, anything to win for), he will be putting his best foot forward regardless of the circumstances in an effort to make a good impression for next season’s training camp.

Head coach Craig Berube confirmed that Tverberg would be making his debut and said he’s looking forward to seeing what the prospect will bring in his first game, albeit with limited ice time.

“He’s got speed,” Berube told media at morning skate. “He’s a tenacious player. His speed and tenacity is what drives him more than anything.”

The Maple Leafs will host the Stars on Monday for their final home game of the season before hitting the road to close out the campaign against the Ottawa Senators.