Maple Leafs reportedly reunite Union stars as Brandon Buhr signs a firm pro deal with the organization
Photo credit: Union College Athletics
The Toronto Maple Leafs have reportedly signed highly coveted college free agent Brandon Buhr.
Union College Forward Brandon Buhr is signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs, according to a report from Ken Schott of ‘The Daily Gazette’
Buhr, 23, is a senior at Union College, having spent three years with the school after spending his freshman season with Clarkson University.
In 36 games this season for Union, Buhr had 19 goals, 17 assists, & 36 points. Buhr is expected to join the Leafs system in the American Hockey League with the Toronto Marlies.
This is the second signing by Toronto of a player out of Union College, having signed defenseman John Prokop last season, currently with the Marlies.
Buhr is a 6’2 forward who can play both at center and on the wing. Buhr is a fast paced player who has strong skating and puck control, while being able to play with some physical grit.
One of the top undrafted free agents in the NCAA, Buhr was ranked as the fourth best college free agent by EliteProspects.
Brandon Buhr’s goal-scoring brings a firm boost to the Marlies’ offensive depth
Brandon Buhr is a mobile goalscorer who can provide offense just about anywhere in the lineup, and is instant depth offense for the Marlies, starting this season.
Toronto has found success in their NCAA signings in recent years, including Jacob Quillan, Bobby McMann, Luke Haymes, & Marshall Rifai as recent impactful players within the organization.
Buhr could play any of the Marlies four forward lines, being both offensively skilled while being able to play a defensive game.
Union College plays a pro style of game that should help ease Buhr’s transition to minor league hockey, and his play style should be something that sees him do well at the AHL level.
Reunited Union captains provide a firm leadership shift for the Marlies’ 2027 blueprint
With Brandon Buhr signing in Toronto, he joins fellow former Union teammate John Prokop, both players who blossomed and found themselves as leaders within the team, bringing in two youngsters with future leadership potential.
As Jacob Quillan is expected to fight for a roster spot with the big club next season, Buhr could be in competition for Quillan’s old spot in a year or two, and the Leafs may hope he repeats the fellow UDFA’s career path.
The Marlies get younger after focusing on signing veterans this past off-season, something necessary with a lack of pro ready prospects at forward.
Buhr is a low-risk, mid-upside player with the potential to play NHL games, but at the very least should be able to produce in a pro setting, while having NHL bottom-six upside at his best.
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Maple Leafs reportedly reunite Union stars as Brandon Buhr signs a firm pro deal with the organization
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