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Standout defenseman expresses desire to sign a contract with the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: NCAA
This past trade deadline day was a quiet one for the Toronto Maple Leafs and GM Brad Treliving, making just one minor trade that affected his roster, bringing in Connor Dewar from Minnesota. Treliving did make another trade that addressed the future of the Leafs when he acquired 23-year-old Cade Webber from the Carolina Hurricanes for a sixth-round pick.
The 6'7, 216 pound left-shot blueliner is currently wrapping up his fourth NCAA season with the Boston University Terriers and has the option to test NHL free agency when he becomes a free agent on August 15th this summer. According to himself though, Webber does not intent to let that happen.
The recently named Defensive Defenseman of the Year in the Hockey East conference sat down with The Athletic's Joshua Kloke where he revealed his intentions following the end of the NCAA season.
"That's the plan [signing with the Leafs]. I want to get up there, compete, and be part of what's happening there for the next few years."
The Leafs share mutual aspirations as shortly after the deadline, Treliving discussed signing the 23-year-old once his season at Boston University wrapped up. Once his season wraps up, Webber may join the Toronto Marlies for the end of their season and playoff run.
While many questioned the trade, given that the Leafs need immediate help on the right side, the trade was made with the future in mind. The Leafs have just Morgan Rielly and Jake McCabe signed next season on the blueline and although it is a long shot that Webber will get an opportunity with the big club next year, he adds needed depth and size on the left side. He won't blow you away with his offensive stats as he has registered just 1 goal in four seasons with Boston, but he will provide the Leafs and Marlies with a very stable and range-y defensive game.
| POLL | ||
MARS 19 | 507 ANSWERS Standout defenseman expresses desire to sign a contract with the Maple Leafs Will Webber become an everyday NHLer in the next 2-3 years? | ||
| Yes | 437 | 86.2 % |
| No | 70 | 13.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
