6 College Free Agents The Toronto Maple Leafs Could Sign

5 College Free Agents The Toronto Maple Leafs Could Sign

Collin Graf, F - 21 Years-Old, from Quinnipiac University

Undoubtedly the cream of the crop when it comes to NCAA free agents this season, Graf is a playmaker, racking up 38 assists in 41 games last season en route to a championship winning year.

Although he does not have the point totals he did last year yet, his scoring pace has went from an impressive 1.44 Pts/GP last season to 1.59 this season. 

There are sure to be many suitors vying for the winger’s talents and if the Leafs are lucky, he could choose them.

At only 21, he still has a couple key years of development left to refine his game. He may not be a needle-mover in the larger sense but the Leafs will need all the help they can get from cheap and young talent in the coming seasons. 

T.J. Hughes, F 22 Years-Old, University of Michigan

Soon, the “H” in NHL will stand for Hughes, sadly however, T.J. has no relation to Luke, Jack, or Quinn.

The 22-year-old was born in Hamilton, Ontario and is currently a sophomore at the University of Michigan. Through 75 games at the NCAA level, he has scored 31 goals and 80 points.

Before attending college, Hughes was lighting up the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) amassing 194 points in 138 games, including 66 goals and 127 points in 60 games in 2021-22 with the Brooks Bandits. 

Hughes is known for more than just his scoring prowess though, he plays a gritty style, often finding himself in the net-front area.

As of right now, the Leafs bottom-six picture looks to be very foggy heading into next season and beyond with only nine forwards total having a contract for next season.

Hughes may not be NHL-ready out of the gate but if signed, he could be a useful depth piece worthy of a call-up throughout the year.