Rumor: Maple Leafs Linked Heavily to 2 Top College Free Agents

The Leafs have had success in the past with their scouting of college free agents. With the likes of signees Tyler Bozak and Trevor Moore already having made an impact in the organization, it sounds as though Dubas and company are again headed in that direction to strengthen the club.

Prospect #1

Per TSN's Bob McKenzie:

"Toronto is one of the final few teams being considered by Michigan State UFA F Taro Hirose"

Hirose, fits the bill of your typical College UFA. Smaller in size but big on skill. 

Born in Calgary, Hirose models his game after Flames Star Johnny Gaudreau. Scouts say Taro displays great speed, vision and hands at the Collegiate level.

To put some perspective on this undrafted player. He is currently outscoring Montreal's 2017 1st round pick (25th overall) Ryan Poehling who is playing with St. Cloud State in his junior season.

While leading the nation in scoring what really separated Hirose from the pac is his primary assists. He's a primary assist machine. Remind you of any other players you like watching Leafs fans?

Prospect #2

Per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman:

"TOR looking at right-shot D Joseph Duszak of NCAA Mercyhurst as a free-agent addition. Led team with 47 points in 37 games."

Despite being undersized at 5'10", 185lbs, Duszak is a right shoot d-man who led his NCAA team in scoring this season. This undrafted player has 99 points in 101 career games for the Mercuhurst Lakers.

Young talented players which the Leafs can have under RFA control and fill bottom 6/bottom pair rolls is part of their cap management plan moving forward. I would be very surprised if the Leafs do not sign at least one of these players.