Toronto Maple Leafs acquire Cade Webber from Hurricanes for draft pick

The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired college defenseman Cade Webber from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a sixth-round pick in 2026.

Webber is still unsigned while in school, so the deal is for his rights. The Leafs will need to sign him before August 15 or else his rights will expire and he’ll become a UFA. The same goes for Veeti Miettinen and Mike Koster, while Brandon Lisowsky – a WHL winger – will have his rights expire if not signed before June 1.

Webber was drafted 99th overall by the Hurricanes back in 2019. The 23-year-old stands has spent the pat four seasons at Boston University, registering six points in 30 games. That ties a career-high set last year as a junior. Webber has one goal and 16 points in 115 career games with BU while racking up Hockey East all-academic team honors in three consecutive years. Webber stands tall at 6-foot-7

Webber’s acquisition gives the Leafs some extra defensive depth with either the Toronto Marlies or Newfoundland Growlers, as long as he signs. Webber was not expected to sign with the Hurricanes, so the move is a low-risk deal for the Leafs to try and get some extra help further down.

Webber is the third defenseman acquired by the Leafs over the past two weeks after acquiring Ilya Lybushkin last week and Joel Edmundson earlier in the day.

The Maple Leafs will face off against the Boston Bruins tonight at 7:00 PM ET before traveling to Montreal on Saturday.