Potential College Free Agents for the Toronto Maple Leafs to Sign

The Toronto Maple Leafs could explore the college free-agent market if the NHL free-agent market becomes too expensive.

Taking this route is not something new for the Toronto Maple Leafs who signed forward Tyler Bozak to a two-year deal back in 2009.

Tyler Bozak went on to have a productive career with Toronto. He recorded 136 goals and 229 assists for 365 points in 594 games during nine seasons with the Maple Leafs. The 36-year-old has spent the last four seasons playing for St. Louis Blues. A team that he helped win the Stanley Cup in 2019.
(Stats from hockey-reference.com)

Not every college free agent works out at the NHL level, but some do. Bozak is one example, and defenseman Torey Krug is another. Krug signed with the Boston Bruins in 2012. He has recorded 78 goals and 334 assists for 412 points in 638 games. Toronto could get lucky and find the next Bozak or Krug if they decide to test the college free-agent market.

Max Ellis, Alex Steeves and Nick Abruzzese are three of Toronto’s most recent college free-agent signings. All three will likely begin the 2022-23 season with the Toronto Marlies in the AHL. Should Toronto GM Kyle Dubas explore the college free-agent market, here are a few players that might interest him.

College Free Agents for Toronto Maple Leafs to Consider

Jake Livingstone – RHD

Livingstone is a 22-year-old right-handed defenseman with the size NHL teams covet at 6’3″ and 205 pounds. The British Columbia native recorded nine goals and 22 assists for 31 points in 44 games. Adding another right-handed defenseman to the prospect pool is never a bad idea.
(Stats from eliteprospects.com)

Maxim Andreyev – C

Maxim Andreyev is a 23-year-old center with decent size at 6’0 and 185 pounds. He finished the season with nine goals and 14 assists for 23 points in 22 games. Andreyev is AHL-ready and could provide depth at the NHL level in a bottom-six role.

Nick Poisson – LW

Nick Poisson is a 20-year-old left-winger with decent size at 6’1 and 185 pounds. The British Columbia native recorded ten goals and 25 assists for 35 points in 37 games. An area of depth that is lacking for the Toronto Maple Leafs is at left wing. Adding Poisson could be a good depth signing.

Derek Daschke – LHD

Derek Daschke is a 24-year-old left-handed defenseman with good size at 6’2 and 194 pounds. He finished the season with four goals and 24 assists for 28 points in 36 games. Not a bad idea for Toronto to add depth on defense.

The Toronto Maple Leafs must consider all their options while looking to add depth. Signing a college free agent can be hit or miss, so if Kyle Dubas decides to go that route, hopefully, he will land a hit.