The Leafs added a number of new defensemen before the 2024 trade deadline, but one deal that went unnoticed
involved the acquisition of prospect Cade Webber’s rights from the Hurricanes. when the transaction, some doubts
surfaced about whether Toronto would be able to sign the 23-year-old to a long-term deal when his Boston
University season ended. After all, if they don’t close a deal by August 15th, he’ll become a UFA.
In a recent interview, Webber discussed the trade with Joshua Kloke of The Athletic and stated that he plans to sign
his entry-level deal with the Leafs.
That’s the strategy, he declared. “I wish to go up there, participate in the competition, and be a part of the next few
years there.”
“I was happy to join an organization that clearly wants me, even though I was a little surprised at first.”
The Leafs share this sentiment as Treliving informed the media just after the deadline that they wish to officially sign
the towering blueliner. This implies that the team should sign Webber shortly after he finishes his undergraduate
career, barring any unanticipated events.
Treliving made this move as part of his continuous effort to give the Leafs’ backend more size and physicality in
order to rejuvenate and enhance it. Webber uses his 6’7″ height and 208 pounds to box out opponents and create
space, so he definitely checks off both of those boxes. Despite the fact that he only managed six assists in 33 games,
he more than makes up for it as a superb defensive defenseman who excels at stopping the opposition in his own
end.
In relation to the acquisition cost, he may be a tremendous value addition because he joins the team later in his
growth and only costs them a future sixth-round selection. Additionally, they are getting a self-assured athlete who
understands his position and believes he has what it takes to succeed in the major leagues.
Regarding his ambitions for the 2024–25 season, he informed Kloke, “The goal is to go straight to the NHL.”
“However, the best fit and strategy [the Leafs] believe is best for me will provide me with the best opportunity to
reach that level.”
If Webber signs a deal with the Leafs, he’ll likely report to the Marlies shortly after and play for them in the
upcoming campaign. Even while it would be great to see Webber replicate Matthew Knies’ success of jumping right
in and making an impact, it would make more sense for him to start out in the AHL and then be called up later on
once his confidence has grown.
In any case, it’s still true that the newest Leafs prospect in the pool is ready to commit to a new team and thrilled to
be a part of a group that values him. Webber aspires to play professionally while wearing the Blue and White, even
though his current priorities are focused on helping Boston University win a national championship.
