The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed defense prospect Noah Chadwick to the minor leagues to finish the season (Twitter link). Chadwick signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Toronto in December, but finished out his year in the WHL before moving to the pros. He’s so far played in 66 WHL games this season, scoring a career-high 12 goals and 56 points.
Chadwick was drafted in the sixth-round of the 2023 NHL Draft, on the back of stalwart play on the defensive side of the red line. While his 20 points in 67 games last season certainly wasn’t inspiring, his long reach and ability to contain opponents stood out every single game. Chadwick’s impact remained largely on the defensive side this season, though his boost in scoring could give him good momentum going into the AHL.
Chadwick will have seven games to fight into the Toronto Marlies lineup before the AHL Playoffs begin. The Marlies sit at fourth in the North Division right now, three points ahead of the Laval Rocket and Belleville Senators with two games in hand. That should be plenty of playoff security, and buys Chadwick added time to earn his professional debut. He’ll face plenty of competition in the lineup, with the Marlies adding three defensemen earlier this week following the end of the Newfoundland Grizzlies’ season. The Marlies now sit at 13 defensemen, including Chadwick.