Leafs organization adds another big body, signs a 6'3 right-shot defenseman

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been bolstering their D corps with big and strong players since Brad Treliving's arrival, including players like Chris Tanev (6'2), Cade Webber (6'6), Oliver Ekman Larsson (6'2) and Maple Leafs first round pick Ben Danford (6'1). The jury is still out on Jani Hakanpaa, but if/when his deal is finalized, that's another 6'7 defenseman as well.

The Maple Leafs continued this trend as 6'3 defensive prospect Ryan McCleary clearly impressed the Leafs at the summer development camp. He has officially earned an himself an AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies, according to Tony Androckitis. The move is a popular one with The Score's Kyle Cushman as well.

The big Saskatchewan native is coming off of his 4th season in the WHL, most recently with the Swift Current Broncos, where McCleary put up a stat line of 11 goals, 25 assists and 36 points in 56 games. Something to note is that he was also a +31 in plus/minus in the 2023-24 season, so the puck is going in for his teams when he's on the ice and they're not allowing anywhere near as many goals against.

While McCleary will not be suiting up for the Maple Leafs next season, expect the towering d-man to eat up some big minutes on the Leafs new ECHL affiliate team, the Cincinnati Cyclones, as Cushman mentioned above.

Let's hope the blue and white continue this trend in signing big defenders, as size clearly does matter on the back end.

Source for stats: HockeyDB
Ryan McCleary Statistics