Undrafted College Free Agents That Toronto Maple Leafs Should Target

Austin Czarnik

Austin Czarnik is a small player 5’9″ 165 lbs. at 22 years old and was drafted in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection Draft by the Windsor Spitfires, but decided to go the NCAA route. He has since played on year for the Green Bay Gamblers, and the was transferred to the University of Miami (Ohio) where he developed his soft hands, a good shot and release to go and strong skating ability.

The captain of the Miami RedHawks has amassed 117 points in 109 games through his three years at U of Miami, as well as participating in the U-18 and U-20 World Junior competitions totaling 10 points in  13 games. He was nominated for the Hobey Baker Award, given to Johnny Gaudreau, who currently plays for the Calgary Flames.

Despite his size, he’s an outstanding playmaker, finding players everywhere on the ice and has top-end vision. If he decides to leave school – Leafs management should take a strong look at Czarnik. If you think he is too small, tell that to Gaudreau, who has similar size and skill set and should be on President Brendan Shanahan’s shopping list.

Watch the move he puts on in the shootout.

Next: #2 Kenney Morrison, Defenceman