The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially signed defenseman, David Webber, to an entry-level contract, the team announced on Tuesday.
Webber, 22, was originally drafted by the Maple Leafs in the seventh round of the 2017 NHL Draft. He spent the last four seasons playing for the University of North Dakota, where he recorded 11 points in 29 games during the 2020-2021 season.
The 6-foot-4, 220-pound defenseman is known for his strong defensive skills and physical presence on the ice. He also possesses a powerful shot and has shown potential for offensive contributions.
Maple Leafs general manager, Kyle Dubas, expressed his excitement for Webber’s potential and praised his development over the past few years.
“We are thrilled to have David join our organization,” Dubas said in a statement. “He has shown tremendous growth and improvement during his time at North Dakota and we believe he has a bright future ahead of him.”
Webber is expected to join the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, for the remainder of the season. This will provide him with an opportunity to continue his development and potentially earn a spot on the Maple Leafs’ roster in the future.
The signing of Webber adds to the Maple Leafs’ already strong defensive depth, which includes players like Morgan Rielly, Jake Muzzin, and T.J. Brodie.
Webber’s entry-level contract is for three years and has an annual average value of $925,000. He will also receive a signing bonus of $92,500.
The Maple Leafs are currently in first place in the North Division and are looking to make a deep playoff run this season. The addition of Webber provides the team with even more depth and potential for success.
Fans are eager to see Webber in action and are hopeful that he will make a positive impact on the team. With his size, skill, and determination, Webber has the potential to become a key player for the Maple Leafs in the future.