Free Agent Defenseman Could Be Coming to the Maple Leafs Due To His Love of Toronto
A promising NCAA defenseman could soon sign an NHL contract and his love for Toronto may give the Maple Leafs a big edge in his pursuit.
While most Leafs players enjoy a well-earned break, Brad Treliving remains busy and is trying to put the Toronto Maple Leafs in a good position for the playoffs.
A top option in the NCAA could be tempted to sign with the Toronton Maple Leafs
Toronto has already been linked to top NCAA free agent forward Luke Haymes, and now it's defenseman Caleb MacDonald that is generating NHL interest.
The undrafted sophomore at the University of North Dakota has improved significantly since being passed over in back-to-back drafts.
He told the Grand Forks Herald that he's focused on his current season but knows that he had growth in his defensive game.
"I think defensively, I've focused more on making those box outs and making sure I always have stick on puck. I'm just making sure I'm strong defensively. I think that's where my game has grown the most."
To add to the Maple Laefs cause, when he was asked about his favorite Canadian city, he immediately answered, «Toronto.»
That preference could make the Leafs a frontrunner for his next contract.
Treliving is valuing size and strength on the blue line, and MacDonald fits perfectly and the Leafs also lack a deep prospect pool due to limited draft picks in recent years.
Signing NCAA free agents allows them to inject young talent without trading assets.
With 3 goals and 7 points in 24 games this season, MacDonald isn't known for offense, but his defensive abilities could make him a valuable depth addition.
If he turns pro after this season, don't be surprised if he lands in Toronto.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 15 | 193 ANSWERS Free Agent Defenseman Could Be Coming to the Maple Leafs Due To His Love of Toronto Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs should try to sign Caleb Macdonald when he turns pro? | ||
| Yes | 168 | 87 % |
| No | 25 | 13 % |
| List of polls | ||
