Maple Leafs Prospect Makes Big Decision Regarding His Future, Which Could Delay Pro Career

One of the fastest-growing needs for the Toronto Maple Leafs is finding a way to keep their already-thin prospect pool intact.

While Easton Cowan has made an early impact and Ben Danford looks promising for the near future, the Leafs can't afford to lose any more developing talent, and that includes Sam McCue.

The Leafs drafted McCue in the seventh round of the 2024 NHL Draft, and even though he wasn't a high pick, there is still some potential there that should not be overlooked.

Building depth through their own internal development system and adding new prospects through smart trades or free-agent signings, much like they did with Cade Webber, Luke Haybes and John Prokop, will be essential moving forward.

The Sudbury, Ontario native has recorded four points in seven games with the Brantford Bulldogs, a modest start to his season. Now, McCue has made an enormous career decision, turning to college hockey to continue with his development, committing to Bowling Green in the NCAA.

For Toronto, that's a good sign; the team retains his rights until he leaves college, giving them time to evaluate his progress and potential fit at the pro level, whatever that may look like by then.

McCue might not be a top-tier prospect, but for a team like Toronto, whose core ranks among the oldest in the NHL, every young player matters. Cheap, energetic, and developing players can make a huge difference for contenders tight against the salary cap. The Maple Leafs are now the fifth-oldest team in the NHL.

There are some risks involved with McCue going this route, the most important of which is that McCue can potentially play his entire 4 years at Bowling Green and then potentially walk away as a UFA.

For the Maple Leafs, holding onto prospects like McCue isn't just about patience; it's about securing the future of a team that desperately needs fresh legs and long-term stability.