A New Addition to the Maple Leafs Family

The Toronto Maple Leafs are shaking things up again in the undrafted free agent market, and they're making waves with their latest signing: 6'5'' defenseman Blake Smith, who recently made his debut with the Toronto Marlies.

Hockey Heritage Runs Deep

Blake Smith hails from a prestigious hockey lineage—his father, Derrick, had nearly a decade-long NHL career, and his older brother, Dalton, was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets. With uncles Keith and Wayne Primeau, Blake is also related to Canadiens goalie Cayden Primeau, ensuring he inherits a wealth of knowledge about the professional game.

From Physical Defender to Offensive Threat

Traditionally known for being a stay-at-home defender, Blake had a breakout season with the Flint Firebirds, skyrocketing his offensive stats from 13 points the previous year to 32 points with 10 goals last season. This impressive growth caught the eyes of NHL scouts and eventually led to his entry-level contract with the Leafs.

Skating Skills That Impress

What grabbed the Maple Leafs' attention is Smith’s skating ability. At 6'5'' and 225 pounds, his agility and power are striking. Smith can swiftly move in all directions, tightening gaps and retrieving pucks with ease—skills he honed over his OHL career to break free from defensive pressure.

His Shot: A Work in Progress

While not a high-volume shooter, Smith’s wrist shot can be a sniper’s tool, especially when open in the slot. Despite limited velocity, he aims to place pucks on net for second-chance opportunities.

Skills That Have Evolved

Though some doubt persists regarding his upside, Smith made significant strides this past season. Not one to dominate in transition, he’s shown that he can create scoring opportunities by efficiently executing breakout passes, an essential skill for any NHL defenseman.

Developing Hockey Smarts

Smith’s decision-making has improved enormously. Last season, he often struggled with his positioning and was caught out of place. However, he exhibited newfound understanding in utilizing his mobility effectively, making him a tougher opponent on defense.

A Fearless Competitor

What sets Smith apart is his fierce competitive nature. His stats speak volumes: ranked 8th in time on ice in the OHL and among the top for hits and blocked shots. Smith plays with grit—using his size to dominate the physical game by winning 50/50 battles.

The Maple Leafs' Strategic Move

This signing embodies a smart move for the Leafs, targeting players with raw physical talent who have seen rapid improvement. While trends among overage CHL players are mixed, focusing on a capable defensive player like Smith could yield significant long-term benefits.

Looking Ahead

Blake Smith is not just another prospect; he’s a potential game-changer for the Maple Leafs. With coaching and time, he could develop into a formidable presence on the blue line, making him a player to watch in the coming seasons.