Maple Leafs prospect officially traded following curious situation

He's only 20 years old, but Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Sam McCue is well versed when it comes to hockey trades, having been moved to his 5th team in 3 seasons.

The gritty forward, who was drafted in the seventh round (216th overall) in 2024, was dealt following a mysterious situation in Brantford following rumours that he could potentially be released.

Instead, McCue is heading to the Ottawa 67's from the Brantford Bulldogs for a second and third round draft pick. The 67's also get a fifth-round pick in the deal.

McCue joined the Bulldogs over the summer after spending the previous season split between the Owen Sound Attack and the Flint Firebirds. The trade to Brantford cost the team seven draft picks, a clear sign they were very interested in him as a player.

McCue has 10 goals and 16 points in 25 games so far this season.

While he's not quite NHL ready yet, McCue has been a late-round surprise for the Toronto Maple Leafs so far as he's turned into a reliable offensive threat in the OHL. In 55 games between two teams last season, he had 36 goals and 55 points. That's a performance that has certainly managed to turn some heads.

McCue's move to Ottawa comes as a bit of a surprise as it was rumoured he was likely be traded to the Barrie Colts.