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Leafs sign 6-foot-3 defenseman to AHL deal

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Chris Gerics
July 25, 2024 (2:51 PM)

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Defenseman Ryan McCleary skates around during warmup while playing as a member of the Portland Winterhawks

Photo credit: Keith Dwiggins

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed defenseman Ryan McCleary to an AHL contract for the 2024-25 season, as well as re-signing forward Robert Mastrosimone.

It's been quiet in recent weeks in terms of signings and trades, though one under the radar signing could be impactful for the future of the Maple Leafs. McCleary makes his way to the Marlies via the Swift Current Broncos of the WHL, where he racked up a solid 36 points in 56 games (11G, 25A) while also holding a staggering +31 +/- which has to give hope to Marlies and Leafs fans about the type of player they can expect.

The news dropped on X courtesy of @Tony Androck where he states:

The Toronto Marlies are signing former @SCBroncos RHD Ryan McCleary to an AHL contract for 2024-25.

They've also re-signed forward Robert Mastrosimone to an AHL deal. #AHLFreeAgency

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The 20-year-old impressed Leafs coaches and officials at their developmental camp, and will look to earn significant minutes with the Leafs' ECHL affiliate the Cincinnati Cyclones; as reporter Kyle Cushman reiterates.

Glad Ryan McCleary is getting an AHL deal with Toronto. Good frame at 6-foot-3, right-shot D-man, and impressed Leafs staff at development camp.

Expect him to play notable minutes with ECHL Cincinnati

It will be a little while before we may see McCleary don the blue and white, Leafs Nation has hope that another piece of the puzzle may have just been found.