One of the most common storylines regarding the Toronto Maple Leafs is the organization’s lack of blue-chip defensive prospects.
But that’s a narrative that could change.
That’s because the Maple Leafs may have quietly found their next shutdown defenseman. That blueliner is Hayes Hundley.
Hundley joined the organization as an undrafted NCAA free agent earlier this spring. The Leafs signed the 21-year-old to a three-year entry-level deal. That shouldn’t raise any eyebrows. What does seem surprising is that Toronto signed Hundley to a $1.01 million cap hit. Mind you, it’s a two-way deal with an $85K AHL salary. Still, it’s an unusually expensive deal for a guy who didn’t really catch anyone’s attention.
And that’s where Hundley should spend next season. But it’s tantalizing to think that Hundley could become that hidden gem that NHL teams drool over.
Hundley played just one season in the NCAA with the University of St. Thomas. He scored six goals and 12 points in 38 games. That’s nothing to write home about. But the relatively limited offensive upside is a plus for a right-shot blueliner who projects as a solid shutdown guy.
At 6’3” and 207 pounds, Hundley looks like he could be a slightly bigger, more skilled version of Jake McCabe. Oh, and Hundley is a right-shot.
That’s why he makes sense, not now, but in the grander scheme of things.
Hundley is already drawing praise
While the Maple Leafs might want to get a look at Hundley in camp this fall, the overwhelming likelihood is that he starts the year in the AHL. And as Toronto Marlies coach John Gruden noted, Hundley could become the next big thing for the organization.
“He’s raw, but has definitely some huge upside to what he could become,” Gruden said. “You can see it in the skating, you can see it in the size.”
The comments, as published in an April 2 piece in the Toronto Sun, highlight what the Maple Leafs scouts have seen. That’s why Gruden and the organization are willing to give Hundley every chance to blossom into a bona fide NHL blueliner.
“There’s definitely something there. We have a really good scouting staff, and they’re not just going to pick his name out of a hat. When you’re an organization looking for right-handed defencemen … it’s our job as a staff to help him along that path.”
Make no mistake. Hundley is not going to be a Norris Trophy winner, at least he doesn’t project that way. But given what the Leafs are looking for, he could be just what the team needs.
When could fans see Hundley in the NHL?
As for when Hundley could hit the NHL, that’s a complex situation. The Maple Leafs don’t really need him this season. But you have to think that if Chris Tanev can’t stay healthy, and Hundley makes significant strides, there might be a temptation to bring him up to see what he could do.
Yes, everyone is bullish on Hundley. But judging from comments, he still has a long way to go. That’s fine as there is no urgency at the moment. If this bet works out, the Leafs could make out like bandits by landing a player no one really noticed.
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