Window Closing: Leafs Have Shot at Two Hidden Gems as NHL Prospects Hit Market
Photo credit: Hockey Patrol
The Toronto Maple Leafs could add two more prospects to their ranks that might be a lot better than some expect: Brent Johnson and Jack Hughes.
With the news that several draft prospects are going to have their rights expire come August, it's going to be a potential frenzy for teams to get their hands on some potential hidden gems in the process.
The Maple Leafs have two players in John Fusco and Wyatt Schingoethe, and though they may not have room for them, the team might be able to add a couple other names who fit into the system a bit better.
Toronto needs a right-handed defenseman? Brent Johnson's available
Among the names, both Brent Johnson and Jack Hughes (no, not that one) stand out as potential options for the team.
Johnson, 22, was Washington's 3rd round pick (80th overall) in 2021 and is a right-handed shot which gives him a solid boost in terms of potential, but isn't exactly the most offensive-focused player.
He's a bit undersized at only 185 pounds, but he is 6'0, so he might be able to get a look from the team as opposed to others. Johnson spent four years playing in the NCAA with the University of North Dakota and Ohio State University.
He scored 35 points in 111 games (13 goals, 22 assists) while adding 30 PIM and a minus-8 rating.
Jack Hughes in Toronto?! No, not the one you're thinking of
Hughes, 21, bears no relation to the Hughes trio already in the NHL although his uncle Randy was drafted by Quebec in 1990, skating in 3 NHL games.
Drafted 51st overall by the Kings in 2022, he's another collegiate star who would fit perfectly with Toronto given he's a center, but he's certainly got the playmaking ability to make a difference.
In his four years with Northeastern and Boston University, Hughes scored 76 points in 149 games (26 goals, 50 assists) and though he's only 169 pounds he's speedy, and with a few years of conditioning he can grow some muscle.
Having a bit of a higher ceiling compared to Johnson, Hughes might be able to translate a training camp appearance, or a stint with the Cyclones of the ECHL could be enough to get him acclimated to the pro game.
So if Toronto and Brad Treliving want to keep stocking up the system like they clearly have this summer, maybe August 15th will bring two more, and two potential hidden gems.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 24 | 1674 ANSWERS Window Closing: Leafs Have Shot at Two Hidden Gems as NHL Prospects Hit Market Who should Toronto sign once their rights expire? | ||
| Brent Johnson | 269 | 16.1 % |
| Jack Hughes | 1405 | 83.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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