NHL prospect Cade Webber intends to sign in Toronto

On March 8th, the Toronto Maple Leafs went out to trade for the rights of Carolina Hurricanes prospect Cade Webber in exchange for a 6th round draft pick. Top Leafs defensive prospect Cade Webber shows eagerness to sign with Leafs.

Leafs prospect Cade Webber sat down for an interview with Joshua Kloke of the Athletic. Cade Webber intends to sign with Leafs





It appears that GM Brad Treliving feels the same, he said in his post trade deadline presser that the Leafs want to put pen to paper with the big defenseman as soon as possible. Important to note that Cade Webber must sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs before August 15th if not he will be a UFA. Leafs on verge of losing prospects this summer

The trade was part of the plan of Treliving to bolster his team's defense in a long term perspective instead of a rental. The 23 year old is a stay at home defenseman sitting at 6 feet 7 inches. Webber has 6 assists in 33 games played this season. His offensive game is not mind blowing, but his presence on the blue line will be crucial for the Leafs moving forward.

For the price of a sixth round draft pick, it seems like a very low risk move by the part of Treliving, and it seems like the big defenceman feels he can make an impact on the main roster.

Cade Webber expected to start in the AHL

Shall he get a contract before the end of the season, the expectation is that he will report to the Leafs AHL team, the Toronto Marlies and will only than play for the big club the following season. Which makes perfect sense, allowing Webber to put his feet in at the professional level and not quickly jumping into the NHL right away. The Leafs aren't exactly waiting for Webber to step in right away, hence why they acquired Joel Edmundson and Ilya Lyubushkin to help this team for another playoff run.

It is always nice to see American players have some sort of excitement to sign with a Canadian team given the American not wanting to sign with a Canadian team stereotype.

We think Cade Webber can really make an impact at the NHL level, and it will go down as one of the better trades Brad Treliving has done during his tenure in Toronto. Time will tell, but imporant to remember that the Leafs only gave up a 6th round pick, an interesting investment at a low price!