Leafs sign Hayes Hundley to three-year, entry-level contract
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Friday they signed defenseman Hayes Hundley to a three-year, entry-level contract that will begin in the 2026-27 season.
He will join the Leafs’ AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, for the remainder of the 2025-26 season on an amateur tryout.
🖊️ We’ve signed defenceman Hayes Hundley to a three-year, entry-level contract beginning in the 2026-27 season He will join the @TorontoMarlies for the remainder of the 2025-26 season on an amateur tryout Details » shorturl.at/JMn9E
Hundley, 21, recorded six goals and six assists for 12 points in 38 games with St. Thomas University during the 2025-26 season. The 6-foot-3 defender was named to the CCHA All-Rookie Team.
In 2024-25, the Upper Arlington, Ohio, native scored four goals and added 12 assists for 16 points and 74 penalty minutes in 58 regular-season games with the USHL’s Fargo Force.
According to Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis, the Leafs have added several big defenders through the college ranks in recent years.
Leafs have added a handful of bigger defenders through the college route in recent years. Aggressive blueliner who gives you little to work with. Doesn't produce much, but he's physical and reads plays well. Only spent one year in college, but a bunch of teams showed interest.
🖊️ We’ve signed defenceman Hayes Hundley to a three-year, entry-level contract beginning in the 2026-27 season He will join the @TorontoMarlies for the remainder of the 2025-26 season on an amateur tryout Details » shorturl.at/JMn9E
“Hundley is an aggressive blueliner who will make you pay if you try and dangle him,” Ellis said. “He doesn’t produce much offense, but he hits hard, can kill penalties and block shots. Hundley also reads plays well, often forcing opponents to the perimeter. There’s a chance of him becoming a bottom-pairing defender.
“I’m surprised he turned pro already, but some scouts really feel confident in his shutdown game,” he added.
You can read Steven Ellis’ latest on recently signed CHL/NCAA free agents