Toronto has been in a bit of a draft pickle lately, consistently trading away picks, which means a new game plan is essential. Enter Brad Treliving, who seems to have a fresh strategy up his sleeve.
Despite any criticisms of Treliving's tenure as GM of the Maple Leafs, one thing stands out: his knack for signing top college free agents. While he wasn't the mastermind behind Bobby McMann's signing, he's clearly tapped into the talent pipeline within the NCAA. Treliving understands that to rebuild effectively, creativity is key.
Toronto's NCAA Strategy: A Smart Bypass of Draft Limitations
Toronto's focus on college free agents marks a significant strategic shift. Why sweat over draft picks when you can directly sign promising young talent? These players often come with advanced skills, having benefited from top-tier coaching and facilities, and they're not just kids fresh out of junior leagues.
Let’s dive into the recent signings by Toronto under Treliving’s watch:
- Luke Haymes (F)
- Vincent Borgesi (D)
- Hayes Hundley (D)
- Brandon Buhr (F)
- John Prokop (D)
- Ryan Kirwan (F)
- Gunnarwolfe Fontaine (F)
- Nick Rheaume (F)
- Sam Stevens (D)
- Jacob Bengtsson (D)
- Matthew Barbolini (F)
- Robert Mastrosimone (F)
- Jacob Quillan (F)
This growing list showcases a wealth of youthful talent. While these aren't fresh 18- or 19-year-olds, many are poised to make a splash with the Maple Leafs soon.
Quillan has already had a call-up, and players like Borgesi, Buhr, Haymes, Barbolini, and Mastrosimone are pivotal in guiding the Marlies toward the playoffs. Meanwhile, Fontaine, Rheaume, and Stevens are honing their skills in the ECHL, much like McMann did before his NHL debut.
Treliving's knack for finding hidden gems is evident with Borgesi being a Hobey Baker nominee. The team is also eyeing Big-Ten Player of the Year T.J. Hughes, potentially adding another star to the roster.
With the new NCAA agreement, the college hockey scene is gaining more attention, highlighting why Treliving is leveraging this system. These signings come with minimal cap implications, offering a cost-effective way to strengthen the pipeline without sacrificing assets. While not every player will become an NHL star, a few key successes could make a significant impact.
Brad Treliving is ensuring that even if he can't draft the future of the Maple Leafs, he'll certainly sign it. Bobby McMann’s journey from obscurity to the NHL is a testament to this approach.