Former Leafs pick signs with a new team in free agency

This just in, free agent defenseman Ryan O'Connell has officially left the Toronto Maple Leafs, signing a deal with Toulouse-Blagnac of the French FFHG for the 2023-24 season.

The 24 year old blueliner had never signed a contract with the Leafs after the team drafted him in the 7th round (203rd overall) of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.

After four seasons with Ohio State, O'Connell played for Michigan Tech last season, putting up just three goals in 35 games. Suffice it to say that O'Connell could not attract the interest of the Leafs or any of its farm teams to take a chance on him with a pro contract. He'll now turn to France in an effort to make a go of life as a professional athlete.