Maple Leafs Linked to Top Free Agent Following Elliotte Friedman's Latest Report
The Toronto Maple Leafs could be on a signing spree after making one free agent signing and could be in the running for the top NCAA skater on the market.
With Brad Treliving already signing one free agent in Borya Valis, and with talks about the Maple Leafs being connected to NCAA standout Luke Haymes, there's also one top free agent available who has had quite the stellar career thus far.
According to Elliotte Friedman's written 32 Thoughts article, in addition to Haymes, the Maple Leafs have serious interest in Michigan State's Karsen Dorwart.
Wanted to mention a couple of other names who will be watched as playoffs begin:
Tom Chorske played 596 NHL games from 1989-2000. His son, Brett, is a late bloomer at Colgate.
The Maple Leafs took a long look at Oregon-born Karsen Dorwart of Michigan State, but he returned for his junior season.
So what could Dorwart bring to the table?
Who Is Karsen Dorwart?
Dorwart, 22, is a 6'1, 191-pound forward who can split time at both center and the wing.
After a rough season with the Sioux Falls Stampede, he was actually recruited to Michigan State where his career took off.
Now in his third season with MSU, Dorwart has 11 goals and 15 assists in 31 games, and for his career has 36 goals and 52 assists over 107 games.
Known for his work ethic, dedication and passion for the game, those sound like the perfect attributes for a Craig Berube-led team. Toronto had success with Matthew Knies, and could very well find the same thing with Dorwart.
The Portland, Oregon native could potentially find himself on a line with John Tavares and William Nylander if he ends up being signed; not as a testament to his skillset but as a litmus test much like Knies had in his debut season.
If Dorwart continues his ascent up the ranks of the NCAA and garners serious interest from other clubs, it would be in Toronto's best interest to act quickly and secure him in the system then figure out what to do with him. Better safe than sorry.
While all focus is going to be on what move Brad Treliving will make at the NHL Trade Deadline, there should be more attention paid to Karsen Dorwart; who is slowly becoming a can't-miss star.
That's something Toronto can't miss out on.
