The Toronto Maples have signed college free agent forward Casey Bailey to a two-year entry-level contract.
The Buffalo Sabres were said to be the front runners for Bailey earlier this week, but the Maple Leafs won the sweepstakes. The Anchorage, Alaska native was highly-sought after by several NHL teams.
Bailey isn’t the first free agent to sign with the Leafs this week, however, as he joins fellow newcomer Nikita Soshnikov as the Blue and White attempt to continue their rebuild after a forgettable season.
The Penn State forward is listed at 6-foot-3, an asset that makes him very valuable along with his goal scoring touch. Bailey first caught the attention of NHL scouts after he led the Big 10 conference in goal scoring as a junior.
Leafs General Manager, Dave Nonis, spoke of Bailey’s best attributes at the press conference of the announcement: “His release is something I think you'll notice right away.
“We showed interest as soon as he was eliminated. Several other teams were involved. He liked the fit in terms of opportunity.”
Bailey, 23, registered 40 points in 36 regular season games this season with Penn State. He also led the entire Big 10 with 22 goals.
Bailey would use the first year of his entry-level contract if he is to appear for the Leafs at any point in their remaining games.