The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to bolster their lineup for a deep playoff run as the NHL trade deadline approaches. Teams are currently on a two-week break for the NHL's Four Nations Face-Off, but teams are still allowed to make trades during this break.
The Toronto Maple Leafs did a decent job addressing defensive needs in the summer by adding defensemen Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and goaltender Anthony Stolarz. However, the Leafs currently are second within the Atlantic Division, three points behind the Florida Panthers.
From a team depth standpoint, it never hurts to add players who are a season or two away. Yes, the Leafs need to address their current needs, but every team has pro and amateur scouts busy around the clock looking for ways to upgrade. Sometimes, those upgrades come from acquiring free agents from the NCAA.
According to Sportsnet's hockey insider Elliotte Friedman, the Leafs, Ottawa Senators, and others are interested in NCAA free agent forward Luke Haymes from Dartmouth College.
Toronto Maple Leafs Interested in Luke Haymes
Luke Haymes is 21-years-old, and he is a left-shot centre from Ottawa, Ontario. Haymes is in his third season with Dartmouth College and has seven goals and three assists for 10 points in 12 games this season. In his first season with Dartmouth, he registered 11 goals and five assists for 16 points in 30 games. He followed it up by registering 18 goals and 18 assists for 36 points in 31 games last season. (All stats from eliteprospects.com)
Haymes is no stranger to the Leafs organization. He took part in the Leafs 2023 development camp, which he says helped form him as a player and a person. Haymes recently spoke with the Athletic and explained how the Leafs staff helped him.
The nutrition staff opened his eyes on how to better take care of his body, the trainers showed him how to properly add size through specialized weightlifting techniques, and Leafs skating consultant Paul Matheson helped improve Haymes’ edge work. He also stated that he had a video call with Leafs general manager Brad Treliving and special adviser to Treliving, Shane Doan earlier this month.
Signing NCAA free agents can be hit or miss, but the Leafs are hoping Haymes becomes an important part of their team. Other NCAA free agents who found success with the Leafs are Tyler Bozak, and most recently, Bobby McMann.
The Leafs also have Jacob Quillan in their system. He was a top NCAA free agent last season. Quillan has seven goals and ten assists for 17 points in 39 games with the Toronto Marlies this season.