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.
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.
