Toronto Maple Leafs Sign WHL Standout to an NHL Contract
The Toronto Maple Leafs made a bit of an unforeseen move today as they decided to sign a WHL standout to a three-year entry-level deal with the franchise.
With the trade deadline just under a week away, the Toronto Maple Leafs have decided to make a different kind of move that may raise a few eyebrows due to the timing.
In a press release from moments ago, the team announced that they were signing WHL standout right-winger Borya Valis to a three-year entry level deal.
The Los Angeles native went undrafted and has played for teams like the Regina Pats and is currently a member of the Prince George Cougars.
Borya Valis WHL statistics
Valis is a player who has been quite effective at his position and in their press release, the Maple Leafs highlighted just how impressive his statistics are.
The 6'2», 200-pound forward has recorded 216 points (86 goals, 130 assists) in 236 career regular season WHL games split between Prince George and the Regina Pats.
Valis has also collected 13 (nine goals, four assists) in 15 playoff games, helping the Cougars to the third round of the 2024 WHL Playoffs.
After this season, the forward will be eligible to come join the Toronto Maple Leafs in training camp, although it is likely his career will begin in the American Hockey League.
Whatever the case may be, this is a huge opportunity for Borya Valis who has kept his head down and has grinded since being passed up in the draft.
This week, the Maple Leafs will be looking to make other big moves, such as acquiring another center or perhaps even getting a defenseman for depth.
Whatever the case may be, general manager Brad Treliving is active right now which is something you have to appreciate as a Leafs fan.
Only time will tell if Valis pans out at the NHL level or if this is just a quick signing to secure an asset that can then be flipped in a couple of days.
