Maple Leafs just beat out the market to sign NCAA captain and Hobey Baker nominee Vincent Borgesi

Borgesi, 22, is the current captain of Northeastern and has put in yet another solid season. He has 20 points in 36 games, and for his career has 80 points in 134 games so far in his collegiate career.

The 5'8, 174-pound blueliner is an exceptional puck-mover who loves to make passes and it's a bit of a shock that Toronto signed him given his size, but it could mean a culture change is starting to take effect.

Toronto has had a lot of success recently bringing in NCAA talent as both Matthew Knies and Bobby McMann were college stars before signing, and Jacob Quillan is just getting his footing now; but has a great NCAA career.

Borgesi would be a huge addition to the back-end and while it's not guaranteed, there could be a chance that he finds his way into the NHL lineup next year, especially if he impresses during camp.

Vinny Borgesi is an undersized offensive right-handed defenseman who has been a dominant puck mover and power play leader at Northeastern.

Borgesi played with current Leaf Matthew Knies in the USHL with the Tri-City Storm before making the move to Northeastern in the fall of 2022, quickly becoming one of their key assets.

The Leafs have succeeded with 5'10 defenseman Troy Stecher in the lineup this season, although Borgesi lacks the physical skill and energy of Stecher.

Borgesi obviously lacks size, and he may top off as a solid minor leaguer who can contribute to a power play in the lower levels, but if he does make the NHL, it would be for his flashy game, but becoming more defensively responsible may hold him back.

Notably, Borgesi isn't the usual Brad Treliving type of signing, being a smaller, one dimensional player, much unlike recent UDFA's such as Jacob Quillan, Luke Haymes, & John Prokop.

Borgesi will be in the AHL for the rest of this season, but may start next season season with Newfoundland in the ECHL to get chances at heavy minutes, unless a defenseman such as William Villeneuve leaves a spot open on the Marlies right side.

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