For the latest Leafs updates or Follow @mikeinbuffalo on Twitter It is that time of year when NHL teams are scanning the US college ranks for free agents and also looking to get their own draft picks playing in the NCAA signed after they've completed their seasons. The Buffalo Sabres for example signed defenseman Will Borgen of St. Cloud State to a three-year deal over the weekend and inked 2017 first round Casey Mittelstadt after completing his freshman year at Minnesota on Monday. The Toronto Maple Leafs may have plans to do the same with Ohio State center Dakota Joshua, but will have to wait a little while longer to get their chance. Joshua (selected 128th overall by Toronto in 2014) scored a career-high 15 goals in his junior season with Ohio State and scored the opening goal for the Buckeyes in a 5-1 win over Denver (the reigning NCAA champs) on Sunday to advance to the Frozen Four the first time since 1998. With injuries up the middle, Ohio State coach Steve Rohlik gave the 21-year-old a primary role, matching him against Florida Panthers 2016 top pick Henrik Borgstrom.
Dakota Joshua beats Tanner Jaillet with the backhand to score the first goal of the game for the Buckeyes.#NCAAHockey pic.twitter.com/0VcMKWRs5Y
— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) March 25, 2018