Toronto Maple Leafs Add Former Hobey Baker Finalist to Marlies

The Toronto Maple Leafs continued to round out their American Hockey League affiliate Toronto Marlies by signing former Hobey Baker finalist David Farrance to a one-year AHL contract on Tuesday morning.

The Marlies announced via Twitter (X) the addition to the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.

The 24-year old defenseman will be a key addition to the blue line as the Marlies lost several players to their back end by way of free agency this off-season.

This is a low-risk bet with a potentially high payoff.

Toronto Maple Leafs Add Former Hobey Baker Finalist to Marlies

Farrance was taken late in the third round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft and 18 picks ahead of former Leafs top goalie prospect Ian Scott.

The Rochester native was selected after playing the 2016-17 season in the US National Team Development Program and representing his country at the World U18 tournament along side Brady Tkachuk, Josh Norris, Joel Farabee and Quinn Hughes.

After being drafted by the Nashville Predators, Farrance attended Boston University for four years.  He was named a Hobey Baker finalist after his third season when he led his team in scoring, recording 14 goals and 43 points in just 34 games.

Despite missing almost a half dozen games in 2020-21, Farrance still led his team in scoring during his final season at Boston University in the COVID shortened season that saw him record 16 points in just 11 games.

At the conclusion of his last NCAA season, Farrance signed a two-year entry level contract with the Nashville Predators and dressed for two games before the end of the year averaging over 18-minutes in two games finishing with a +3.

He played one more season in the Predators organization dressing for 50 games with their AHL affiliate Milwaukee Admirals, but he was not qualified at the end of the 2021-22 season.

Farrance signed an AHL deal with the Chicago Wolves last season and was traded mid season to the Colorado Eagles in a minor league deal.  Between both minor league teams, Farrance combined to play in 45 games and collect 24 points.

Sport Forecaster’s scouting report stated that his strengths were his mobility in each of the three zones, as well as getting his shot through to the net.  He does need to add some size and strength to control the defensive side of the game, which could be the reason Nashville gave up on him so quickly.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Marlies are hoping they can help get Farrance back on track.  The former Hobey Baker finalist was listed by NHL Rumors as the Nashville Predators third best prospect just two seasons ago.