Unsigned Prospect Presents Golden Opportunity the Maple Leafs Can't Afford to Miss

As the NHL offseason continues to have its twists and turns, Chicago Blackhawks prospect Dominic James added to things and is expected to forgo signing with the Blackhawks and will let his signing rights expire on August 15th, allowing him to sign elsewhere in the NHL.

James, 22, was a sixth-round pick of Chicago in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, 173rd overall.

A four-year college hockey player with the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs, last season the forward had 14 goals and 30 points in 35 games, a bounceback after James had been limited to just two games in his junior year due to a shoulder injury.

The Blackhawks reportedly where expecting to sign James, making his decision to move on from the organization a surprise that came as unexpected to Chicago.

With Dominic James appearing poised to leave Chicago and sign elsewhere, this could open up the Toronto Maple Leafs as a team to watch in the hunt for the college FA.

One team that could have a good shot is the Detroit Red Wings, the Michigan-born James could start next season in the AHL for their affiliate in Grand Rapids, similarly would potentially play for the Leafs with the Marlies.

The Leafs do need offense for the Marlies with the losses of Alex Steeves & Nick Abruzzese, although James profiles more as a bottom-six option for the AHL right now.

Unlikely to make the Leafs in the short-term, James would still add to Toronto's li lightweight prospect pool and add a prospect who could be closer to the NHL than most of the team's long-term prospects currently in their system.

James has potential as a bottom-six NHLer at best, with him having the ability to be a fourth liner who could kill penalties, he could step into the AHL as a reliable depth option with some NHL upside a possibility with the right development.

The Marlies could use some young depth in the lineup and add some offensive firepower to make up for some major blows to their roster, and Dominic James could be one help that alleviates for Toronto a lack of prospects with the potential to be impact in the immediate rather than in a few years.