The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Tuesday that the team has signed defenceman Vincent Borgesi to a two-year contract beginning in the 2026-27 season. Borgesi, 22, posted 20 points (five goals, 15 assists) and 29 penalty minutes in 36 games as captain of Northeastern University (NCAA) during the 2025-26 season.
He will join the Toronto Marlies (AHL) for the remainder of the 2025-26 season on an amateur tryout. From there, he’ll get a look this summer for a possible spot on the 2026-27 roster.
A right-shot d-man who comes in around 5’8″–5’9″, and 175–185 lbs, he’s certainly not a big frame. However, Borgesi was named as a nominee for the 2026 Hobey Baker award. He has posted 80 points (16 goals, 64 assists) and 79 penalty minutes in 135 career NCAA games.
He’s been highlighted as one of the top undrafted defensemen in NCAA hockey over the last couple of seasons (Elite Prospects ranked him #14 in their 2026 NCAA Free Agency Guide). Many teams were interested, but Toronto got the deal done.
The Maple Leafs write, “Prior to his collegiate career, Borgesi spent two seasons with the Tri-City Storm where he posted 50 points (seven goals, 43 assists) in 106 career regular season USHL games while adding four assists in eight playoff games.”
He was also named to the United States Collegiate Selects Team roster for the 2025 Spengler Cup where he posted one assist in four games and served as captain.
Next: Maple Leafs Should Think Twice About Tanking the Season
Discover more from NHL Trade Talk
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.