Maple Leafs Prospect Refuses New Team, Faces Second Trade in Stunning Turn of Events
A potential acquisition in the OHL for a Leafs prospect looks to be in jeopardy after recent reports.
In the Ontario Hockey League on Wednesday, the Owen Sound Attack made two major moves on Wednesday, first shipping out their captain, defenseman Konnor Smith, an Anaheim Ducks prospect, to the Brampton Steelheads in exchange for multiple picks.
The Attack made a second move later on with the Flint Firebirds, trading forward Sam McCue, a Toronto Maple Leafs prospect, in a deal that sent 2026 NHL Draft Eligible player Cole Zurawski the other way.
The deal, which appeared straightforward at first, now runs the risk of conflict as multiple reports now share the news that McCue does not plan to suit up for the Firebirds, and is refusing to report.
Will Sam McCue Report To Flint Or Be Traded Again?
It has not been confirmed independently whether McCue is eventually going to play for Flint this season.
A source confirms of note that McCue is believed to be a potential NCAA departure and that there exists interest from schools to bring on the Leafs prospect with the new CHL-NCAA agreement that allows for players to now join from Canadian Major Junior Hockey to USA Collegiate Hockey.
It's unclear if McCue is holding out over his potential collegiate future, it would appear unlikely for McCue to begin playing NCAA hockey in the second half of the year.
Although it is possible as it was recently done by freshman Will Horcoff, formerly of the USA National Team Development Program (USNTDP) who left the U18 team for the University of Michigan Wolverines back in December 2024.
At this stage, with the original deal processed and finalized by the league, the deal cannot be voided even if McCue refuses to play for the Firebirds.
Zurawski was in Owen Sound's lineup against the Barrie Colts.
Sam McCue was drafted in the seventh round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs, 216th overall.
McCue this season has outplayed his draft position, impressing with 18 goals and 31 points in 35 games this season with Owen Sound.
The Attack have been sellers with the dealings of Smith & McCue, as well as Jets first rounder Colby Barlow to the Oshawa Generals earlier in the season, as well as rumors of Canada's WJC goaltender Carter George a potential departure.
Owen Sound is in last place in the OHL Western Conference with 25 points and a 10-22-2-3 record, three points back of the Peterborough Petes for last place in the league.
Flint is sixth in the Western Conference with a 17-18-2-1 record, and 37 points on the year.
The OHL Trade Deadline is until Friday, Feb. 10th at 12p.m. EST.
