Maple Leafs News: Toronto Signs Another Coveted NCAA Free Agent

The Toronto Maple Leafs have added another prime new prospect to the pipeline via their Marlies farm team, as Ryan Kirwan out of Arizona State becomes the third NCAA college free agent in the past couple of weeks to join the organization.

🖊 News | We've signed forward Ryan Kirwan to a 2-year contract.#LongLive pic.twitter.com/pi2pt1LszH
— Toronto Marlies (@TorontoMarlies) March 30, 2025

It’s a two-year contract for the high-scoring ASU forward with the Toronto Marlies. That deal begins next season, but he’ll play for the balance of this AHL campaign on a professional tryout contract.

Kirwan had a tremendous year for Arizona State, leading the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) with 26 goals in 37 games. He added 13 assists for a total of 39 points, good for 6th in the conference.

The sniper led the NCAA in all-situation shots-on-goal per 60 minutes (17.6), and goals per 60 (2.7). He is constantly able to get into position around the net to create scoring opportunities for himself.

Per EF, #LeafsForever are looking at Ryan Kirwan from ASU. 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, scored 26 goals in 37 games. Not the quickest skater, but does a lot of damage in front of the net, creates space and has a strong shot. pic.twitter.com/SWE0EdeMjX
— Peter B (@PBaracchini) March 30, 2025

The 6'2", 205-pound forward transferred to ASU this past season after three years at Pennsylvania State University, where he notched 34 goals and 69 points in 100 games.

He joins two other coveted NCAA free agents with the Marlies that the Leafs have recently signed. Forward Luke Haymes out of Dartmouth, and Union College defenceman John Prokop both made their Marlies debuts on Saturday night. Haymes then went on to score his first professional goal in his second game on Sunday.