Leafs Sign Spencer Abbott

Maple Leafs Sign Spencer Abbott To A 1-Year Entry Level Contract

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LW. Spencer Abbott Age: 23 Height: 5-10 Weight: 170 Drafted: Undrafted 2011-12 Statistics: University Of Maine (NCAA): 39 GP | 21 G | 41 A | 62 PTS | 34 PIM CONTRACT: One-Year Entry Level Contract (ELC) Important Facts: -Named to the 2009-10 NCAA (Hockey East) All-Academic Team. -Named the 2011-12 NCAA (Hockey East) Player Of The Year. -The 2011-12 NCAA (Hockey East) Scoring Champion. -Named a finalist for the 2011-12 NCAA "Hobey Baker Award". -Assistant Captain for the 2011-12 University of Maine Team.

Thoughts: 

As the Toronto Maple Leafs seem to do every year, they have signed the most sought after undrafted college free agent. This year's big name is Spencer Abbott out of the University of Maine. He will be turning twenty-four in a little over a month which means that the entry level contract will only be for one year. He will report to the Maple Leafs AHL affiliate — the Toronto Marlies — on an Amateur Try-Out, and then next season his contract with the Leafs will begin.

Spencer Abbott had incredible season with the University of Maine, putting up sixty-two points in thirty-nine games. Although he's a bit undersized at 5-10 and 170 pounds, it is a big reason why he is able to play the way he does. One of his most valuable talents is his elusiveness, and if he wasn't the size he is, he'd probably not have that ability. Along with that, he shows a quickness in every move he does on the ice which makes it very hard for defenders to keep up. Then when you factor in his impressive hockey sense and offensive instincts, it makes for a truly dynamic forward. He does a heck of a job reading plays and with his above-average acceleration he is always able to get to where he needs to be. His acceleration opens up a lot of opportunities for him, especially when moving out of his own end. Frequently he will beat out an opposing defenseman for a puck in the neutral zone and come in alone on a breakaway. He has good enough hands to usually finish those types of opportunities. I could see him being a good asset on the penalty kill because when he is at the top of the zone, the point men on the power play will be quite aware of his presence breathing down their necks. Whether or not he is able to translate his NCAA scoring touch to the NHL, he will still be an effective NHLer in some capacity. 

Very little risk with this move considering they got a versatile and effective player that could be used in a number of roles. I think he'll take the rest of the AHL season as a time to adjust to the pro-game and then next year he'll be ready to start at the NHL level.