Leafs' Underrated Free Agent Signing Already Labeled a Steal After First Pro Goal
Photo credit: R.J. Johnston/Toronto Star
After signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs last week, top prospect Luke Haymes now has his first professional goal with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL, and it's a beauty.
Last week, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced that they'd signed NCAA center Luke Haymes and beat out a handful of other NHL clubs that were interested in bringing him aboard.
They assigned him to the AHL's Toronto Marlies for the rest of the year on a tryout basis after signing him to a two-year deal that will begin in 2025-26.
He didn't have to wait long to score his first professional goal, picking up the milestone marker on Sunday against the Bridgeport Islanders with a forehand-backhand deke.
His goal gave the Marlies a 2-0 lead; he'll almost certainly be keeping the puck as a keepsake.
Luke Haymes Drawn To Toronto For Their Development Strategy
After scoring 36 points (18G, 18A) in 31 games for Dartmouth College, Haymes wanted his next career stop to be where a focus is placed on development.
He soon explained that Toronto fit that bill the best in his mind.
Talking to the staff, they are huge on development, which is something I knew I needed as a younger guy coming out of college.
I wanted a place that would really develop me, and somewhere with opportunity as well. Those are two parts of the plan for coming here. Super excited to be a Marlie and a Leaf.
I wanted a place that would really develop me, and somewhere with opportunity as well. Those are two parts of the plan for coming here. Super excited to be a Marlie and a Leaf.
Before playing with Dartmouth College, Haymes scored 49 points (22G, 27A) in 52 games with the Cowichan Valley Capitals of the BCHL.
The fact the Maple Leafs were able to sign arguably the top free agent on the market, his value is comparable to that of a second-round pick at the draft, and that level of talent can't be ignored.
Plus, the fact Toronto had to give up Fraser Minten in order to acquire Brandon Carlo, adding a player the likes of Haymes (who could be better in the long run) is nothing short of a coup for Brad Treliving.
If he can continue to finish the season strong and score highlight reel goals like he did for his first, it won't be long before Haymes not only dominates the AHL, but finds himself gearing up with a Maple Leafs jersey next season.
| POLL | ||
MARS 31 | 591 ANSWERS Leafs' Underrated Free Agent Signing Already Labeled a Steal After First Pro Goal Can Luke Haymes earn a roster spot with the Leafs next year? | ||
| Yes | 375 | 63.5 % |
| No | 216 | 36.5 % |
| List of polls | ||