Maple Leafs could lose two players for nothing as key deadline nears!

As the NHL offseason stretches into late July, teams are not only managing arbitration hearings and free agency, but they’re also up against a less-talked-about but important deadline: the expiration of unsigned draft rights.

According to Puck Pedia, the Toronto Maple Leafs are at risk of losing the rights to two 2020 draft picks, John Fusco and Veeti Miettinen, if neither is signed by August 15.

Several other teams, including the Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning also need to respect the deadline with tough choices coming.

Under NHL rules, teams lose the exclusive signing rights to players drafted from U.S. colleges four years after the draft if no contract has been signed. Once that deadline passes, these prospects become unrestricted free agents, free to sign with any NHL team. A scenario Toronto might soon face and wants to avoid.

Here are the players the Leafs are at risk of losing:

John Fusco (RD)

Age: 24

Drafted: 7th round, 179th overall (2020)

NCAA Teams: Dartmouth College, Harvard University

Career Stats:* 112 GP – 22 G, 29 A, 51 PTS

A mobile, right-shot defenseman, Fusco quietly put together a solid NCAA career split between Dartmouth and Harvard. Known for his smooth skating, quick transition play, and first-pass ability, he posted his most productive season in 2024–25. Standing 5’10”, his size may be one factor working against him, but for a Leafs organization still thin on right-handed puck-moving defenders, it’s a bit surprising that he hasn’t earned a contract offer.

Wyatt Schingoethe (C)

Age: 22

Drafted: 7th round, 195th overall (2020)

NCAA Team: Western Michigan University

NCAA Career Stats: 17 points (6G, 11A) in 83 games, +12 rating

A two-way center, Schingoethe may not have put up big offensive numbers, but he’s shown value in his own end of the ice. He’s played a smart, disciplined game, recording only 18 penalty minutes in his college career, and could still develop into a bottom-six option with the right fit.

There’s still a window for Toronto to offer contracts before the August 15 deadline, but with limited organizational room and a focus on more immediate NHL-ready pieces, the Leafs may opt to let these players walk.

Both Fusco and Schingoethe showed steady progress in the NCAA, but might need to look elsewhere for an NHL opportunity if Toronto doesn’t act soon. For a team always looking to build depth without burning cap space, letting solid late-round picks go for nothing could be a missed opportunity.