Leafs reportedly ink college prospect to ELC

The Leafs' 2019 4th round draft pick put up 9 goals and 24 assists for 33 points in just 28 games of NCAA action for the Harvard Crimson. He also put up a goal and 3 assists with Team USA at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. The news was broken by Dobber Prospects head of North American Scouting, Nick Richard.

Abruzzese is the first of 2 possible NCAA signings for the Leafs this season and he'll probably get a shot at cracking the Leafs' lineup before the playoffs begin. Abruzzese is a center who seems to score at a point per game pace at every level he plays at. Its not fair to expect that of him in the NHL, but if he can get up to NHL speed, expect him to be at least a secondary scoring contributor. At 5'10, 160lbs, his size is of some concern at the NHL level, don't look for him to be laying big hits.

The Leafs will have to wait a little longer to sign their other NCAA prospect, Matthew Knies, who scored the tying goal in Minnesota's battle with UMass Friday night before Minnesota captain Ben Meyers buried the OT winner for the Golden Gophers to move on to the Worchester Regional Championship game this Sunday. It's unclear whether Knies will sign or return for his senior year, and Dubas has made it clear he won't pressure Knies to give up his education.

Knies looks to be an NHL-ready prospect however. A 6'3 power forward with a laser for a wrist shot and a penchant for laying booming hits. He and Abruzzese were teammates in Beijing, so if they both play for the Leafs this year there will at least be some familiarity.

The Leafs could see a nice boost to their forward depth with these 2 players. For now, we wait until the Abruzzese signing is officially announced, then all eyes will turn to the MInnesota Golden Gophers as their season comes to a close.