The Maple Leafs sign 6’3 right shot Hayes Hundley to address the blue line’s biggest weakness
Photo credit: St. Thomas University
Hayes Hundley is a name that not many people know about but will soon after signing a contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday.
On Friday the Maple Leafs added another free agent NCAA signing by bringing in defenceman Hayes Hundley. He will report to the Marlies on a PTO before the official deal kicks in next season.
Hundley put up 12 points in 38 games this season with St. Thomas University.
Hundley brings the physical touch needed to revamp the Toronto Maple Leafs
The Upper Arlington, Ohio native is a beast on the blueline standing 6'3 and weighing just shy of 210 pounds. What's great about Hundley is that he is not only someone who can physically take charge, but also provide that extra offensive punch.
Look at someone like a Jake McCabe. A staunch defender who is known for being a shutdown guy. However he does have seasons where he hit nearly 30 points and in his first season in Toronto ended up with a career-high eight goals.
That's the type of player Toronto has been looking for, and in order to add toughness it was clear that Hundley was a top choice.
The Keith Pelley effect may already be starting
It's also interesting to note that this is the first signing since Keith Pelley started his one-on-ones so perhaps there's an onus of 'What is the future going to look like for you?'
Pelley's audit of the team is obviously going to come with sweeping changes and the addition again of a trio of NCAA stars could lead way to a Toronto team full of college stars.
They had a ton of success with Bobby McMann, and while Hundley is a much different player, it's all about finding those diamonds in the rough. While this isn't a guarantee, perhaps we are seeing more of a Pelley influence with players.
He saw how Auston Matthews went out and decided that having a lack of toughness and heart was an issue.
More details to come.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
The high price the Maple Leafs must pay to keep Auston Matthews in Toronto
The high price the Maple Leafs must pay to keep Auston Matthews in Toronto
Previously on Hockey Patrol
| POLL | ||
MARS 27|921 ANSWERS The Maple Leafs sign 6’3 right shot Hayes Hundley to address the blue line’s biggest weakness Will the Maple Leafs continue signing NCAA free agents? | ||
| Yes | 839 | 91.1 % |
| No | 82 | 8.9 % |
| List of polls | ||