5 Long-Shot NHL Prospects that the Toronto Maple Leafs Should Acquire

Justin Bergeron

Born: September 14, 2000
Height: 6’1″
Position: Defenseman
Birthplace: Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
Shoots: Left
Undrafted

Justin Bergeron is a defenseman playing for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in the QMJHL. He saw big gains throughout this past season. In fact, NHL Central Scouting did not have Bergeron ranked until he stepped up his game in the latter half of the year.

He finished as the 153rd ranked North American skater. That improvement wasn’t enough for a team to take a risk on selecting him though one should at least invite him to camp.

Bergeron is an offensive defenseman with great foot speed. He is a player who isn’t afraid to put pucks on net with accurate shooting. In his 65 games with the Huskies, he racked up 57 points from16 goals and 41 assists.

He was also an incredible +56. Bergeron’s production continued in the playoffs. In 19 games he tallied 8 goals and 12 assists.

Since Bergeron was skipped over in the draft, it would make acquiring him just a matter of signing a contract. Once the final round ended and his name wasn’t called, he immediately became a free agent and free to accept an offer from any organization.

Ideally, that offer comes from the Toronto Maple Leafs. It is a true longshot that Bergeron ever becomes an everyday NHL player but the organization should be willing to watch him develop on the Toronto Marlies in the AHL. It would be a very low-risk signing with the potential of a payoff if Bergeron could continue to take strides in his hockey maturity.