Toronto Signs Free Agent Prospect

A number of notable prospects became free agents this past week when their drafting teams' window to sign them expired. The second-highest drafted of all of those hitting the open market was Robert Mastrosimone, and he's now been snagged by the Toronto organization, signing a one-year deal with the Maple Leafs' AHL affiliate, the Marlies.

ASU forward Robert Mastrosimone has signed with the Toronto Marlies, the AHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs.@CronkiteSports https://t.co/sNVHM0NIzT

— Sean Brennan (@Seanytb91) August 20, 2023

Mastrosimone was originally a second-round pick of the Detroit Red Wings in 2019, the No. 54 selection overall. 

The 22-year-old had an outstanding season in his breakout final year in the NCAA, recording 42 points on 11 goals and 31 assists in 38 games for Arizona State. His three previous college seasons were with Boston University, where his playing time was more limited. 

Sun Devils head coach Greg Powers had said near the end of the NCAA season, “He’s playing the waiting game and seeing what’s going to be available as a free agent. There’s a lot of teams that are interested in him, but it doesn’t look like Detroit is going to happen."

It didn't, and Toronto swooped in. 

Mastrosimone had shown his potential in two solid seasons as a teenager with the Chicago Steel of the USHL before his Draft year of 2019, potting 47 goals and 58 assists for 105 points in 114 games.  

Photo: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports