The Maple Leafs waited almost 24 hours after the trade deadline to sign six-foot-eight forward Curtis Douglas to a contract.

It’s believed that the word ‘future’ means that the deal will begin in the 2022-23 season with the contract having an AAV of $837,500.

The 22-year-old has 27 points in 49 games with the Marlies this season and has been one of their most important players. Douglas has learnt to use his size to his advantage a lot more, which in return helps him stand out much more. He has also improved his skating a lot since joining the organization, and that’s just another tool he’ll continue to use to get better.

This is a great deal for both the Maple Leafs, who’ll need some size and toughness in the lineup, and Douglas, who’s grown up cheering for this team since he was a child.