Toronto Maple Leafs Sign Defenseman Hayes Hundley to 3-Year Deal

Hundley to join Leafs' AHL affiliate Marlies on amateur tryout for remainder of 2025-26 season

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:52am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey defenseman in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of blue and white colors representing the Toronto Maple Leafs' visual identity.The Maple Leafs' patient approach to developing defenseman Hayes Hundley reflects a league-wide trend of cultivating cerebral, versatile blueliners through the AHL.Upper Arlington Today

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed 21-year-old defenseman Hayes Hundley to a three-year, entry-level contract. Hundley, who recently completed a standout NCAA season with St. Thomas University, will join the Leafs' AHL affiliate Toronto Marlies on an amateur tryout for the rest of the 2025-26 season before his contract officially begins in 2026-27.

Why it matters

This signing reflects the Maple Leafs' strategic approach to developing blue-line depth, transitioning college and junior prospects through the AHL before integrating them into the NHL roster. Hundley's size, two-way game, and track record of consistent performance in the college ranks make him an intriguing long-term prospect for the Leafs.

The details

Hundley, a 6'3", 210-pound right-handed defenseman, recorded 12 points in 38 games for St. Thomas University during the 2025-26 season and was named to the CCHA All-Rookie Team. Prior to college, he played two seasons in the USHL with the Fargo Force, tallying 16 points and 74 penalty minutes in 58 games in 2024-25. The Maple Leafs are placing Hundley with their AHL affiliate Marlies for the remainder of this season to help him acclimate to the professional game before his entry-level contract begins in 2026-27.

  • Hundley recently completed the 2025-26 NCAA season with St. Thomas University.
  • Hundley will join the Toronto Marlies on an amateur tryout for the rest of the 2025-26 season.
  • Hundley's three-year, entry-level contract with the Maple Leafs will begin in the 2026-27 season.

The players

Hayes Hundley

A 21-year-old defenseman who recently completed a standout NCAA season with St. Thomas University, signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Toronto Maple Leafs

An NHL team that has signed Hundley to a three-year, entry-level contract and will have him join their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, on an amateur tryout for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

Toronto Marlies

The AHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs, where Hundley will play on an amateur tryout for the rest of the 2025-26 season before his entry-level contract begins.

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What’s next

Hundley will join the Toronto Marlies on an amateur tryout for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, where he will look to acclimate to the professional game and earn a spot on the Maple Leafs' NHL roster in the future.

The takeaway

The Maple Leafs' signing of Hayes Hundley reflects a broader trend in the NHL of teams prioritizing the development of smart, adaptable defensemen through the AHL before integrating them into the NHL roster. Hundley's size, two-way game, and college pedigree make him an intriguing long-term prospect for the Leafs as they look to build a championship-caliber roster.