Free Agent Defenseman's Love of Toronto May Put Leafs at the Top of the List for His Services
Photo credit: University of North Dakota
A 22-year-old defenseman currently playing in the NCAA may soon find himself with an NHL contract and his love of Toronto May put the Leafs at the top of his list.
As most of the Toronto Maple Leafs enjoy a much needed break from the action, Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews and William Nylander remain active, representing their respective home countries at the 4 Nations Face-Off in Montreal and Boston.
There's another member of the organization that has remained active during the break as well; GM Brad Treliving.
The Leafs are always looking for ways they can improve their team, both now and in the future. They're already linked to one of the top NCAA free agents in forward Luke Haymes. Now, there may be another NCAA standout who is destined to become a Leaf.
According to recent chatter, 6'4", 225-pound blueliner Caleb MacDonald is a hot commodity among NHL teams, who view the undrafted defenseman as, quite possibly, a future NHLer.
He was recently asked about the NHL interest by the Grand Forks Herald this week. The sophomore blueliner is trying his best to keep a level head and focus on the here and now.
"I'm strictly focused on this season. I'm not really worrying too much about that. Our goal is the tournament and I'm just going to keep focusing on that."
MacDonald has made some serious strides with his game since being passed over in back-to-back drafts. He revealed this week where he feels he has improved the most.
"I think defensively, I've focused more on making those box outs and making sure I always have stick on puck. I'm just making sure I'm strong defensively. I think that's where my game has grown the most."
When asked what his favourite city in Canada was, without hesitation, the hulking defenseman revealed that Toronto was his choice -- a detail that could make the Maple Leafs a clear frontrunner for his services.
Leafs GM Brad Treliving values a big, strong blueline. Of course, as previously mentioned, with MacDonald standing 6'4" and 225 pounds, he certainly checks the big and strong box for the Maple Leafs.
It's also worth mentioning that the Leafs have not had a lot of draft selections in recent years, and thus, have a bit of a weaker prospect pool. Signing prospects out of the NCAA is one way for the Leafs to help add some young bodies with NHL potential without having to use assets to acquire them via trade.
It's anyone's guess where MacDonald will end up if he opts to leave UND after his season concludes, but it would not be shocking in the least to see the Cambridge, Ontario native sign an entry-level deal with the Leafs, given his pre-established love of the city.
The defensive defenseman has produced 3 goals and 7 points in 24 games for North Dakota this season.
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