College free agents

[CarltonTheBear]

I wonder if the Leafs dip their toes into the NCAA free agent pool this year. I know that these guys are usually long-shots but with a somewhat depleted prospect group adding a handful of young players can't hurt. Here's a few posts that I've found that go through some of the bigger names:

https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2019/3/7/18194739/2019-top-ncaa-nhl-free-agents
https://www.milehighhockey.com/2019/3/6/18248613/ncaa-free-agents-that-could-be-of-interest-to-colorado-avalanche-cale-morris-taro-hirose-hockey-nhl
https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/2019/1/25/18194853/5-intriguing-college-free-agents-ncaa-bobo-carpenter-nico-sturm-taro-hirose-josh-wilkins-joe-duszak

Matt Robson, a goalie born and raised in Toronto who turns 23 years old this month, originally jumped out at me. There's also a Leafs connection as they invited him to their development camp in 2017. A worst, he'd give the team some more goalie depth with the Marlies.

Taro Hirose seems like the top NCAA free agent this year. From Calgary, turns 23 in June. He leads the NCAA in scoring. He's a small, speedy left winger. Sounds like he'd fit in just fine here. He also attended the Leafs development camp in 2017.

Last guy who really jumped out to me is Nico Sturm. From Germany, turns 24 in May. He's a 6'3", 211 lbs centre who is considered one of the best defensive players in the NCAA. He's also top-10 in scoring, so there's talent there too. Our system desperately needs centre depth and if there's any NHL potential he could battle with the Goat for the 4C spot next year.

[herman]

https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1105468985351450624

[CarltonTheBear]

A media report! So I'm moving this thread out of general rumours ;)

Duszak was talked about in the blueshirtsbanter blog that I posted, so you can check out some info about him there. Basic story though is that he's a smaller, offensive RHD.

[Zee]

A media report! So I'm moving this thread out of general rumours ;)

Duszak was talked about in the blueshirtsbanter blog that I posted, so you can check out some info about him there. Basic story though is that he's a smaller, offensive RHD.

Babcock loves small guys!

[Bender]

So it's apparently official.

https://theleafsnation.com/2019/03/12/leaf-sign-defenceman-joseph-duszak/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[CarltonTheBear]

https://twitter.com/TSNBobMcKenzie/status/1105520480520331264

Sign them all!

[Bender]

https://twitter.com/TSNBobMcKenzie/status/1105520480520331264

Sign them all!

Don't know where he'd fit unless we dump an existing LW.

[Zee]

https://twitter.com/TSNBobMcKenzie/status/1105520480520331264

Sign them all!

Don't know where he'd fit unless we dump an existing LW.

Hi guys, what's up?

[CarltonTheBear]

Don't know where he'd fit unless we dump an existing LW.

It's probably a little optimistic to think any college free agent we sign could step right into the NHL, or even make the team next year. They're still prospects and would likely need AHL seasoning before they make the NHL (if they make it there at all).

[Guilt Trip]

Don't know where he'd fit unless we dump an existing LW.

We are pretty weak on LW. Johnsson is our best. At some point Brown, Marleau and Hyman will probably be gone. Have to keep stocking the shelves and College kids are virtually free.

[herman]

I am having a taro sago dessert right now.

[Heroic Shrimp]

I am having a taro sago dessert right now.

I'm wearing my Taro Tsujimoto jersey right now.

[Dappleganger]

Don't know where he'd fit unless we dump an existing LW.

We are pretty weak on LW. Johnsson is our best. At some point Brown, Marleau and Hyman will probably be gone. Have to keep stocking the shelves and College kids are virtually free.

Hyman stays.

[herman]

I am having a taro sago dessert right now.

I'm wearing my Taro Tsujimoto jersey right now.

I want one now. I dearly hope Hirose was named for that legend.

[bustaheims]

Hyman stays.

If he's willing to stick around without any significant raise on his next contract, sure. If not, you move him out and replace him with someone cheaper. You can't get too attached to the grinders, or you cap yourself out of being able to improve more important areas.