Although he is now relieved of his GM duties, Brad Treliving spent the last days of his tenure adding to the Toronto Maple Leafs future. In particular, Treliving added to the prospect cupboard via three college free agent signings. Regardless of what one thinks of the Leafs former GM, these players might still factor into the Leafs plans at some point down the line.
This year’s college free agent class is often described as being a bit lighter than most seasons. There was no big fish for teams to chase, but that does not mean that some of these prospects will not be able to work their way into the NHL. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the three new Leafs prospects.
Hayes Hundley—21-year-old RD
The youngest and perhaps the least heralded signing, Hayes Hundley is still young enough to present some upside. Though fans might scoff at a modest point total this season, Hundley’s production is still notable.
As a NCAA rookie, albeit an older one, Hundley fared quite well. His six goals are a reminder that Hundley is willing to jump up into the play and contribute offensively. He is known more for his physicality, which will have to be his primary way into the NHL. Though lacking dynamic and explosive ability, his knack for the offensive game should not be discounted.
Hundley will have to assert himself as a professional next season, and it might take some time for the details of his defensive game to catch up. Hundley has only one NCAA season under his belt, which is relatively little exposure to high-level hockey. Bridging this gap will be vital to his NHL viability, as he will need to prove himself as a sound defender to push his way up the depth chart.
If he can work his way into a top-four role in the AHL over the next two seasons, there could be a chance to start having such a conversation. With a clear emphasis on size, the Toronto Marlies will have a lot of competition for Hundley along the way.
The best-case scenario is that Hundley can position himself as a call-up option in the final year of this three-year contract. His right shot should help him in this regard. It seems a bit unlikely, but Hundley is coming off a surprisingly strong season as an NCAA rookie. He will have to continue to shatter expectations.
Vinny Borgesi—22-year-old RD
On the opposite end of the stylistic spectrum, Borgesi is somewhat of a rarity within the Leafs system. Borgesi is definitely on the smaller side, standing at 5’8, but brings a lot of offensive tools to the table. This is almost always the case for smaller defencemen.
Borgesi is a strong skater with a good motor. He led all of college hockey in icetime this season, logging absurd totals each game. He is deceptive with the puck, smart with his reads, and able to open up plays with his skating.
Limitations due to size are obvious, but it should help Borgesi that many of the Marlies defencemen complement him in this area. To continue pushing up the depth chart, Borgesi will have to produce offensively and take over the top power play role. He will need to find a way to hold up defensively and become a reliable breakout artist in his own zone.
Borgesi will have to seriously impress in the AHL to get any NHL consideration. While projecting a high-end player like Lane Hutson is bullish, Nick Blankenburg represents a more realistic upside. Chances are that fans will be clamouring for a promotion before the Leafs are ready to do so.
Borgesi was teammates with Matthew Knies in Knies’ draft year, suiting up together in the USHL. His impressive performance over his four seasons in the NCAA earned him a reputation, enough that he was considered among the best options in this college free agent class as a whole. In two games with the Marlies, Borgesi has already registered his first assist. Keith Pelley even mentioned Borgesi by name in the press conference following Brad Treliving’s dismissal, showing that the Leafs do have legitimate hopes for him.
Brandon Buhr—23-year-old F
The Leafs lone forward signing of this college free agent class, Buhr was also considered among the better prospects available. The size is obvious; he’s 6’2, but Buhr is willing to use it, playing a straight-ahead game and getting to contested ice. Buhr has strong skating as well, able to attack the ice with agility.
While he does have a quick release, Buhr will have to show a well-rounded offensive game. Earning his keep at the net front will be vital, as will being direct as much as possible. Buhr led his NCAA team in scoring this season and has already had some success in the AHL, putting up two assists in his first four games.
Buhr is an older prospect, turning 24 in July. A strong rookie season in the AHL will be vital, as there is not a long time for development. Still, Buhr has made an immediate impact, which is an encouraging start. The Leafs have had success with late-blooming forwards like Zach Hyman and Bobby McMann, not to mention Mason Marchment and Justin Brazeau.
