Leafs Sign Defenceman Cody Donaghey
9 years ago
After a strong showing at their Rookie Camp, the Toronto Maple Leafs have signed 18-year old blueliner Cody Donaghey to a three year entry level contract. One of the few non-Leafs who got invited to the team’s main camp, Donaghey is a 6’1, 185lb offensive defenceman out of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
Last season, in 67 games with the Quebec Remparts, Donaghey was the team’s leading scorer on defence with nine goals and 38 points. Ranked 150th amongst North American Skaters, Donaghey was passed over in June’s Entry Draft, paving the way for camp invites and a new contract with the Leafs.
An offensive-minded blueliner who is best when moving the puck up ice with a good first pass. Skates very well and although he does not blow by people regularly, he is more of a smooth skater who pivots and transitions well moving fluidly around the ice. Handles the puck with skilled hands, showing some solid creativity and the ability to protect it while gaining the offensive zone. Lacks poise in his own zone as he is prone to making the odd brutal turnover by not being hard enough clearing the puck from danger in his own zone.
Donaghey enters the system as a bit of a depth prospect, but he’s still quite young and quite raw. In all likelihood, he’ll return to Quebec for at least another season and play a major role on a Memorial Cup-bound blue line, giving us a chance to evaluate him further on a larger stage.
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