On Thursday, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced they have signed defenceman Blake Smith to a three-year, entry-level contract. Smith just completed his season with the OHL’s Flint Firebirds, recording a career-best 10 goals and 32 points in 64 games during the regular season, adding an assist in five playoff games.

The deal is set to kick in next season and carry through the 2027-28 campaign.

Smith was an undrafted defender who carved a name for himself during a four-year career in the Ontario Hockey League. Coming through the Oshawa Generals minor hockey system, he joined the OHL’s Generals in the fall of 2021, playing with fellow Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford during the 2022-23 campaign. He spent a little over a season with the Generals before being dealt to the Flint Firebirds early in November 2022. In Flint, his game slowly progressed to become a solid two-way defenceman with elevated minutes.

Smith, who was an alternate captain, was a key part in helping the Firebirds punch their ticket to the OHL Playoffs for the fourth straight season. They were eliminated by the third-seeded Kitchener Rangers in the first round last week.

The most appealing trait of Smith is his size. He’s currently listed at 6-foot-5, weighing 225 pounds. He’s also considered by many to be a pretty good skater, something he utilizes in his own zone.

During his time in the ‘O,’ the 20-year-old appeared in 244 games, scoring 13 goals and 41 assists for 54 points, amassing 204 penalty minutes with a +5 rating. He also registered four points in nine postseason games.

Smith is the fourth player to sign his ELC with the Leafs in the last couple of weeks. Toronto has also inked Prince George Cougars forward Borya Valis from the WHL, while adding Union Garnet Chargers defenseman John Prokop and Dartmouth forward Luke Haymes from the NCAA.

The current Maple Leafs (48-26-4) are first in the Atlantic Division, becoming the first team in the division to hit 100 points, thanks to their overtime win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night. Toronto is three points ahead of the Lightning with four games remaining.