The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to be players in the NCAA college free agent market, as the club announced the signing of defenseman Hayes Hundley to a three-year, entry-level contract on Friday. The 20-year-old will join the AHL Marlies on an amateur tryout, and his ELC will begin next season.
The 6’3”, 210 lb. blueliner had 12 points (six goals, six assists) in 38 games as a freshman with St. Thomas University (NCAA) this season after posting 16 points (4 goals, 12 assists) and 74 penalty minutes in 58 regular-season games with the Fargo Force (USHL) last season. The Upper Arlington, OH native was named to the 2025-26 CCHA All-Rookie Team. Hundley is right-handed who will use the body, is a decent skater, has good gap control, and makes a good first pass, according to Sportsology’s Russ Cohen.
Adding To The Free Agent Crop
Hundley is third college free agent signed by the Leafs this month. They previously inked Northeastern University defenseman Vincent Borgesi and Union College forward Brandon Buhr. Borgesi, 22 was signed to a two-year entry-level contract after completing his senior season, posting 20 points (five goals, 15 assists), while the 23-year-old Buhr posted a career-high 36 points (19 goals, 17 assists) in his senior season..
Borgesi has played one game with the Marlies, while Buhr notched his first professional point last Sunday against Wilkes-Barre Scranton. Other college free agents, whose clubs will be involved in the NCAA Tournament, could be signed by GM Brad Treliving after their teams are eliminated. One of the most sought-after free agents is University of Michigan forward TJ Hughes. The 24-year-old Wolverines team captain tied for the club scoring lead with 50 points (19 goals, 31 assists), and according to David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, the Leafs are among a number of clubs that are pursuing the Hamilton, ON native.
In the race to the bottom, the Leafs are now slotted 10th after the Los Angeles Kings shutout Vancouver 4-0, and New Jersey beat Nashville 4-2. Calgary, San Jose, and St. Louis all gained ground on Toronto with their games in hand, and the Leafs are just four points out of a spot in the top five. The club takes on the Blues on Saturday to start their four-game Western road swing.
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