Leafs sign best defenseman in the NCAA!

This just in, the Toronto Maple Leafs have signed 23 year old free agent defenseman Cade Webber to a two year, entry level contract.

Webber was recently named the NCAA's best defensive defenceman for the 2023-24 season, where he starred with Boston University. The 6'7" giant was acquired last month from the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2026 6th round selection.

From the Leafs' official press release announcement:

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced today that the hockey club has signed defenceman Cade Webber to a
two-year, entry-level contract. The average annual value of the contract is $875,000.

Webber, 23, recorded six assists in 38 games during the 2023-24 season with Boston University. Webber
helped the Terriers reach the 2024 Men's Frozen Four semifinals. The Meadville, PA native has posted 16 points (one goal, 15 assists) in 123 career NCAA games with Boston University. Webber was named Hockey East's Best Defensive Defenceman for 2023-24.

Webber was originally acquired by the Maple Leafs in a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes on March 7th, 2024. The 6’7, 210-pound defenceman was selected by Carolina in the fourth round (99th overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft.