Mar 22, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators left wing Cole Smith (36) goes after the puck as Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Scott Laughton (24) approaches him during the second period of the game at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alan Poizner-Imagn Images

nhl

Maple Leafs Sign NCAA Forward Luke Haymes to Two-Year Deal

The Leafs add Dartmouth’s Luke Haymes to their prospect pool, signing him to a two-year deal while he joins the Marlies on an amateur tryout.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have added another promising young talent from the NCAA, securing center Luke Haymes on a two-year contract set to begin in the 2025-26 season. The 21-year-old forward will get an early taste of professional hockey, joining the Toronto Marlies on an amateur tryout for the remainder of the current season.

Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 203 pounds, Haymes brings size and scoring ability to the organization. The Ottawa native had a strong but injury-shortened season at Dartmouth College, tallying 12 goals and six assists in just 22 games. His sophomore campaign was even more impressive, as he put up 36 points (18 goals, 18 assists) in 31 games. Over three NCAA seasons, he accumulated 70 points in 83 games, proving himself as a consistent offensive contributor.

Toronto Maple Leafs Sign Luke Haymes https://t.co/r04FJx2dc8
— Pro Hockey Rumors (@prohockeyrumors) March 25, 2025

While Haymes isn’t expected to be a star player at the NHL level, he has the potential to carve out a role in the bottom six, with the possibility of growing into a middle-six center with further development. His addition helps replenish Toronto’s center depth, which took a hit when the team traded Fraser Minten and a conditional first-round pick to Boston in exchange for defenseman Brandon Carlo.

This signing comes just days after the Leafs added defenseman John Prokop from Union College, continuing a trend of Toronto dipping into the NCAA free-agent market. The organization has had success in the past with undrafted college players, including Tyler Bozak, who became a key contributor after signing in 2009, Trevor Moore, who broke into the league in 2016, and Bobby McMann, who joined in 2020 and has since earned NHL opportunities.

For Haymes, this is a golden opportunity to prove himself in the professional ranks. If he can continue to develop and adapt to the higher level of competition, he may work his way up the ranks and eventually get a shot with the Leafs. His offensive instincts and physicality make him an intriguing prospect to watch, and with Toronto always looking to strengthen its depth, this signing could prove to be another savvy move. Now, it’s up to Haymes to make the most of his chance with the Marlies and show the Leafs that he belongs in their long-term plans.

Image Credit: Alan Poizner-Imagn Images

Luke Haymes

NHL

Toronto Maple Leafs

Anamika Shrivastava

nhl

I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!