The Toronto Maple Leafs’ general manager, Brad Treliving, is well recognized for his affinity for large defensemen. Following his trend, he went out and bought another big man on the day before the NHL Trade Deadline, which was March 7.
The 6’7 left-handed defenseman Cade Webber was acquired by the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for the team’s sixth-round pick in 2026.
In the fourth round of the 2019 NHL draft, two rounds after the Maple Leafs selected Nicholas Robertson, the Hurricanes selected the 23-year-old Webber.
Webber played primarily in the US High School Prep league during his draft year, but he also made seven appearances for the US National U18 team.
Drafted by the Penticton Vees of British Columbia’s Junior A league, the American-born defenseman played a significant role there for one season before relocating to Boston University, where he was teamed with the team’s anticipated first overall pick, Mack Celebrini.
Cade Webber, the Physical Defensive Beast
The @LeafsRealist Twitter account has put together a few clips of plays in which Webber has appeared for Boston University. He gives off the impression of being a hard-charging net-front player who punishes opponents who try to position up in front of the goal post.
The Carolina Hurricanes would have needed to sign Webber once he graduated from Boston University on August 15th, the day he became an unrestricted free agent.
Fans would have to assume that Maple Leafs management had some sort of talks with Webber to get him signed once his NCAA season is over, given Treliving’s statement during his Friday media availability that they had hoped to get him signed once his college season was over and have him playing for the Marlies.
Despite being a defense-first player, Webber concluded his four years of college with a total of 17 points and one goal. It would be fascinating to see if the team gives him time with Topi Niemelä, who is a year younger than the new addition and the organization’s top offensive defensive prospect.
