Leafs Prospect Luke Haymes' Scores Jaw-Dropping First Career Goal as a Pro

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been very busy of late with the slate of free agents coming out of the NCAA. They've signed defenseman John Prokop and forwards Luke Haymes and Ryan Kirwan, while also having interest in Karsen Dorwart who eventually signed in Philadelphia yesterday.

Haymes, signed out of Dartmouth College, played in his first career professional game last night against the Belleville Senators but was held without a point in their eventual 2-1 shootout victory.

Back in the lineup tonight against the Bridgeport Islanders, Haymes notched his first career professional goal in what was a thing of a beauty.

The young forward broke in all alone on the goaltender before freezing him with a forehand-backhand move as he roofed one top shelf to give the Marlies a 2-0 lead in the first period.

Haymes would later add an assist on Joseph Blandisi's 14th goal of the season that put Toronto up 4-1, however they've since coughed up 4 straight goals as the Islanders have taken a 5-4 lead early in the third period.

The 21-year-old Ottawa-native had spent the last 3 years with Dartmouth College where he collected 41 goals and 70 points in 83 games, which included a spry 18 goals and 36 points in 31 games last season.

It was a bit of a down year as he dealt with injuries but he still collected 12 goals and 18 points in 22 games and remained one of the top NCAA free agents coming out of the season.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman mentioned earlier in the week that the Maple Leafs signed players like Haymes and Prokop to unique deals, which would allow them to be somewhat fast-tracked to the NHL in case of emergency.

Due to them signing deals at $100,000 less than what they could have gotten with their entry-level contracts, it puts the Leafs in a situation where they can call them up on an emergency basis and it wouldn't count against their salary cap.

Their contracts kick in next season but they both signed PTOs with the Marlies, which has allowed them to start their professional careers as soon as possible. Prokop played last night but was held out of the lineup today.

Expect more of the same from Haymes and company as the Marlies' season is coming to a close with the post-season right around the corner.