Cade Webber, who was acquired by Toronto Maple Leafs this past season, is really turning heads in Toronto following a stellar showing at the 2024 Prospect Showcase.

When the Maple Leafs acquired Webber from the Carolina Hurricanes before last season’s trade deadline, something instantly stood out about him — his enormous size, with the 23-year-old standing 6’7 and weighing 208 lbs. Then, when his reputation for being an elite defensive defenseman in the NCAA had found the eyes and ears of Leafs Nation, the excitement began to grow.

Webber was among those who took part in this weekend’s 2024 Prospects Showcase in Montreal, and the Boston University standout did not disappoint. In a new article from Pension Plan Puppets, Webber was labeled one or the team’s biggest surprises.

“Arguably, the player that was the biggest surprise for the Leafs was Webber. He came as advertised in all the ways we’ve been told – he is indeed very tall, he is indeed a very good skater, and he is indeed very good defensively. He made a lot of good, simple plays to shut down rushes against him, box out opponents on rebounds, and pin puck carriers on the boards to end their cycle.”
Webber, who signed his entry-level contract with the Leafs this past season, was never a big point producer in the NCAA, but displayed some very underrated offensive tools over the weekend in Montreal, even assisting on one of Roni Hirvonen’s goals on Sunday.

With all eyes now focused on Maple Leafs training camp, it will be interesting to see how Webber performs and whether or not he’ll carve out an opportunity for himself in the NHL, or if he’ll end up AHL-bound. Obviously, the more likely scenario is Webber beginning the year with the Marlies, but with that size and his solid defensive instincts, anything is possible.