The Toronto Maple Leafs are making strategic moves to bolster their blueline, adding some serious offensive punch with the signing of University of Maine defender Frank Djurasevic to a two-year AHL deal. This move is all about strengthening their prospect pipeline, and Djurasevic is set to join the Toronto Marlies immediately on an amateur tryout.
So, who exactly is Frank Djurasevic, and why was he on the radar of multiple NHL teams? At 24, this dual citizen of Canada and the US has made waves over the past two seasons at Maine, racking up 42 points and a plus-24 rating in 72 games.
Before that, he spent a year at Merrimack College, contributing 10 points in 35 games. His right-handed shot adds to Toronto's growing list of offensive defensemen, joining recent signee Vincent Borgesi and Hayes Hundley, who inked a deal just a day prior.
The timing of Djurasevic's signing is no coincidence. The Marlies are facing a slew of injuries as they gear up for the postseason, so adding depth and insurance is crucial. Djurasevic fits the bill perfectly, especially with his willingness to fire shots from the blueline.
The recent additions of Hundley and Djurasevic provide Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving with two right-shot prospects that the Leafs' system was lacking just a week ago. There’s been plenty of chatter about how the Leafs can revamp their defensive lineup, and these moves suggest they're on the hunt for the next hidden gem.
Hundley, standing tall at 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds, is known for his physical play and decent offensive output. In contrast, Djurasevic could emerge as a power play quarterback and a secondary puck-mover.
Think of Hundley as a Jake McCabe type-tough, capable of scoring, and not shy about blocking shots or delivering hits. Meanwhile, Djurasevic might remind fans of a right-handed Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
While he may not yet reach the elite status OEL once held, Djurasevic is a bigger, offensive-minded player solid on defense-and he’s a decade younger.
The focus here is on handedness. The Leafs have often leaned on left-handed shots playing on the right side, but balance is key.
With the addition of Vincent Borgesi, the Leafs now have three right-handed shots ready to infuse the lineup with much-needed offensive flair. This influx of talent is exactly what Toronto needs to enhance their defensive depth and offensive capabilities.