Toronto Maple Leafs Miss Out on Top Free Agent Over Major Contract Limit Issue
Photo credit: Northeastern University Athletics
If the Toronto Maple Leafs want to sign another NCAA free agent, they may have a hard time due to their roster being pretty log jammed at the current moment.
Already signing two big NCAA standouts in John Prokop and Luke Haymes, the Maple Leafs seem like they are on a mission to scoop up all the best college players before some other teams get their hands on them.
They did miss out on one however, as Northeastern University center Jack Williams signed a two-year deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday.
Instead of reporting to the AHL, Williams instead will report directly to the Blue Jackets and join the team this week at some point.
Toronto's Lack Of Contract Space Could Hurt Future Free Agent Push
GM Don Waddell seemed excited about what Williams can offer, and was quick to praise his newest signing:
Jack Williams is a skilled, hard-working player with a passion for the game, who was a very productive player and leader during his time at Northeastern. We think he has great potential and are excited to welcome him to the Blue Jackets family.
He was stellar in his time at Northeastern, scoring 94 points in 106 games (39G, 55A) over three seasons to go along with a plus-11 rating and only 37 penalty minutes in that span.
The caveat with Williams, and what may prevent the Maple Leafs from signing other big name free agents like T.J. Hughes or Karsen Dorwart is that these players are more than likely headed straight for the senior circuit.
With Toronto already at a contract logjam, and still needing to figure out returning players; it's gonna be tough.
He may have been passed over though given his size, and at only 5'11 and 185 pounds, he might be a bit too small for the new regime in Toronto, and the other names on the list of free agents certainly fit the bill more in that regard.
But there's no denying the skill of Williams, and now the Blue Jackets will reap the benefits of a potential superstar.
Toronto's already done well to add from the newest crop of free agents, but if they want to sign any others; it's going to take a lot of work and it might be too tough to figure out the roster in time.
| POLL | ||
MARS 25 | 342 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs Miss Out on Top Free Agent Over Major Contract Limit Issue Do you think Toronto is at a disadvantage when it comes to signing free agents? | ||
| Yes | 224 | 65.5 % |
| No | 118 | 34.5 % |
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