Leafs Pitching Hard for Black Bear Star
Spencer Abbott hasn't signed with the Maple Leafs. But word is he's close.
The star forward with the NCAA Maine Black Bears, who were eliminated by the University of Minnesota-Duluth this week, is being aggressively courted by a number of teams and is apparently leaning towards Toronto, although its not a done deal.
(Ed note: It is now a done deal as of about 4:30 ET. Abbott is now a Leaf, although he will report for the rest of this season to the AHL Marlies.)
At 23 and 5-foot-10, the right-handed shooting forward isn't exactly what the doctor ordered for what ails the Leafs. But he's highly skilled, was named Hockey East's player-of-the-year this season and - be still my heart - is from Ontario. Hamilton, to be precise, and he lists the Leafs as his favourite team.
The Leafs have been aggressive in the NCAA free agent market in recent years but have only unearthed one bona fide NHLer, Tyler Bozak, so far. Still, signing such players is cheaper than a draft pick, and the success of Bozak and Teddy Purcell in Tampa (signed originally by L.A.) suggests sometimes its worth the effort. Goalie Ben Scrivens was also a college free agent and he played a few games for the Leafs this season.
Abbott had 62 points in 39 games this season and is one of 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker Award. He played Jr. A for the Hamilton Red Wings. If signed, he could head immediately to the AHL Marlies.
The Leafs had interest in another U.S. college free agent, Dan Dekeyser of Western Michigan, but he has apparently decided to go back to school.
Related: More on Spencer Abbott.
How is it cheaper than a draft pick? I'm all for adding to the prospect pool via NCAA free agents, but I wish Burke would put more emphasis on the draft.
Posted by: JL | March 28, 2012 at 12:29 PM
Why not just let the kids play?
Posted by: John Swager | March 28, 2012 at 12:42 PM
I thought Frattin was a college kid too. But, anyway, not sure this accomplishes much. At 23 and assuming he doesn't get to the NHL until 25... does he project to be a top 6 guy? If not, then at 5'10' I don't see how he would fill the role of 3rd or 4th line energy/grit guy. Really, I get stockpiling prospects.. but I don't see a role for this kid in the Leafs organization.
Posted by: Mark Whitney | March 28, 2012 at 12:43 PM
He is maximizing his chances at the draft by doing this; this guy is equivalent to a 1st round pick but it only costs him money to make him Leafs property, it doesn't also cost us a 1st round pick; so Burke still has the same number of picks (assets) to use in the draft as he did before the signing!
Posted by: A13276 | March 28, 2012 at 01:05 PM
It's cheaper than a draft pick because you don't USE a draft pick to get him. And Swager, you don't know anything about this guy. It's not unusual for late bloomers to make the NHL through U.S. college and then light it up. He may be a bona fide scorer, and he may not. For the cost of an entry-level deal, I'm willing to find out.
Posted by: Cameron French | March 28, 2012 at 01:40 PM
This guy seems to be a little bigger than Doug Gilmour. Yeah, the Leafs couldn't use someone like that! The value of signing a free agent out of college is that it only involves money, not draft picks. I don't care where a guy plays his junior/college hockey as long as he can play in the big league. At this point, nothing should be overlooked.
Posted by: leefan | March 28, 2012 at 02:12 PM
What can it hurt? If he does not pan out, we let him go (see: Hanson, Christian). If he does pan out, we get a roster player that did not cost us a draft pick, and could put up a few points for us (see: Bozak, Tyler). Unless the Leafs sign him to a guaranteed contract with a no-movement clause (which will never happen), then there is little to risk by a move like this, and a chance (albeit a longshot chance) of hitting a home run.
Posted by: Dave Corbett | March 28, 2012 at 02:12 PM
Does it really matter anymore?
Posted by: Nick Danger | March 28, 2012 at 02:38 PM
Well...since he played for the Hamilton Red Wings, I'll give Burke a pass on this one. 'Cause it's pretty apparent the tolerance for more soft-ish NCAA boys is getting mighty thin.
Posted by: Chris | March 28, 2012 at 03:36 PM
Trouble with NCAA guys is they are often gassed after 60 games, they've been paying 40 and to get to the cup youhave to play 100+
Posted by: johnnyk | March 28, 2012 at 04:24 PM
Just what we need. Another smallish U.S. college player who's "the equivalent of a first round pick." Yeah, right. There's a reason these guys weren't picked in their draft years. More smoke and mirrors from Burke.
Posted by: Paul McDougall | March 28, 2012 at 04:35 PM