The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to be their own worst enemy, failing to earn points early in the season when they were in a race for a playoff spot, and now earning points late in the season when they are in a race to get a top-five pick. The Leafs trailed 3-2 in the third period to the Carolina Hurricanes, but William Nylander scored with 6:10 left in regulation to force overtime before Alexander Nikishin netted the game-winner.
Matias Maccelli registered a pair of assists in the contest, increasing his post-Olympic point total to 11 in 13 games and his season total to 35. With 12 games remaining, Maccelli is getting precariously close to costing Toronto a 2027 second-round pick in the deal for a conditional pick made last summer by GM Brad Treliving. If the winger scores another 16 points in the remaining games, the third-round pick dealt to Utah will move up a round.
The Leafs play the second of back-to-back games in Ottawa on Saturday, with Anthony Stolarz getting the start after another good performance from Joseph Woll against the Canes. The Senators are five points out of the final Eastern Conference wildcard spot and desperately need a victory to stay within range. A Toronto victory would serve to play the role of spoiler to their provincial rival, while a loss by the Sens would serve as a spoiler to the only thing to be salvaged from the Leafs disastrous season.
The Leafs this week dipped into the NCAA undrafted free agent pool with the signings of 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..
Both are slated to play with the AHL Marlies for the rest of the season on amateur tryout contracts, and were able to be signed because their club’s seasons were over. Other college free agents, whose clubs will be involved in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, will have to wait until 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.
With the lack of draft capital the next few seasons, GM Brad Treliving has to be exploring all avenues to add talent to the organization, including unsigned free agents in the KHL, as well as other leagues in Europe and North America. With few prospects currently in the fold, the Leafs may offer an attractive landing spot for these players, as long as they think they will get an opportunity to play.
Hopefully they are not looking at how Leafs head coach Craig Berube is handing out the minutes to Jacob Quillan right now.
