The 2024 trade deadline saw the Leafs bring in a bunch of new defencemen, but one that flew under the radar was a trade with the Hurricanes that brought in the rights to prospect Cade Webber. One of the questions that emerged in the aftermath of the trade was if Toronto would be able to sign the 23-year-old to a contract once his season at Boston University is done. After all, they have until August 15th to get a deal done or else he becomes a UFA.
Webber recently spoke with Joshua Kloke of The Atheltic about the trade and revealed he intends to sign his entry-level contract with the Leafs.
“That’s the plan,” he said. “I want to get up there, compete, and be part of what’s happening there for the next few years.”
“I was a little bit surprised but excited to be a part of an organization that obviously wants me.”
The feeling is mutual on the Leafs’ end as Treliving told the media shortly after the deadline that they want to put pen to paper on the towering blueliner. This means that barring any unforeseen circumstances, you can expect the team to get Webber signed soon after he wraps up his college career.
This trade was part of Treliving’s ongoing quest to revitalize and improve the Leafs’ backend by adding some size and physicality. Webber certainly checks off both of those boxes as he stands at 6’7″ and weighs 208 pounds which he uses to box out opponents and create space. While he won’t bring a lot of offence given he recorded only six assists in 33 games played, he more than makes up for it by being an exceptional defensive defenceman who does well at shutting things down in his own end.
The fact that he joins the organization further along in his development and only cost them a future sixth-round pick has the potential to be great value relative to the acquisition cost. And they are getting a confident player who knows his role and feels he has what it takes to be successful in the big leagues.
“The goal is to go straight to the NHL,” he told Kloke on his plans for the 2024-25 campaign. “But whatever [the Leafs] think is best for me and whatever the best fit is going to give me the best chance to get to that level.”
Assuming he gets a contract with the Leafs, you can expect Webber to report to the Marlies soon after and to begin next season. While it would be nice to see a repeat of Matthew Knies where he hits the ground running right away, it would make sense for Webber to get his feet wet in the AHL first before they call him up later on once he has gotten his confidence up.
Either way, the fact remains that the Leafs’ latest addition to the prospect pool is eager to sign a deal with his new team and excited to join an organization that wants him. His focus may currently be on securing a national championship with Boston University, but once that is done Webber will shift his focus to turning pro and he wants to do it while donning the Blue and White.
Stats from Elite Prospects.
