The Toronto Maple Leafs made a big announcement prior to the start of free agency, *big* being the operative word, sharing on Twitter that they have signed 6-foot-6, 230-pound goaltender Dennis Hildeby to his entry-level deal on Wednesday.
Hildeby, 20, put up a 3-2-0 record in 7 appearances with Farjestad BK in the SHL last season, sporting a brilliant 1.93 GAA and a sparkling .931 sv% with 1 shutout in his first run as a pro in Sweden. He also put up a 6-5-0 record with a 2.80 GAA and a .931 sv% in 12 appearances with Farjestad BK J20, his Swedish Junior club.
The enormous netminder was drafted by the Leafs 122nd overall by the Leafs at this most recent draft. The Leafs must be high on this kid if they're signing him this quickly. It's also worth noting that Leafs GM Kyle Dubas moved up in a deal with the Nashville Predators in order to draft him in the 4th round.
It's likely that he returns to Sweden for at least one full year as a pro before coming over to North America, but the Leafs did also report that Hildeby will attend Leafs prospect development camp, which opens up on July 17th.
