Leafs prospect eliminated from Frozen Four now eligible to sign an NHL contract
One of the Leafs' top prospects, Nick Abruzzese has been eliminated from the NCAA Frozen Four tournament as Harvard was defeated by Minnesota State this afternoon.
It has been rumoured for weeks that Abruzzese would be signing his entry level deal with the Leafs at the end of the season, and the Leafs moving Alex Biega to Nashville at the trade deadline was indicative of that as they freed up a contract spot.
It should only be a matter of time now, and the expectation is that the Harvard captain will sign his ELC by the end of the weekend. Abruzzese will likely join the Marlies first before getting a late season audition with the Leafs' forward group.
We could see the Leafs take a similar approach with 19-year-old Matthew Knies, who was drafted 57th overall by the Buds in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
Drafted in the 4th round (124th overall) in 2029, Abruzzese has registered 23 goals and 53 assists for 76 points in 58 games through two seasons at Harvard. The 22-year-old has shown solid growth year over year since his draft year and the Leafs could have something in the Slate Hill, NY native.
| POLL | ||
MARS 24 | 250 ANSWERS Leafs prospect eliminated from Frozen Four now eligible to sign an NHL contract Will Abruzzese sign his ELC with the Leafs before the weekend is out? | ||
| Yes | 147 | 58.8 % |
| No | 48 | 19.2 % |
| Even if he signs, they shouldn't rush him | 55 | 22 % |
| List of polls | ||
