Leafs Sign 6’5” Physical Defenseman Blake Smith to 3-Year Deal

The Toronto Maple Leafs have bolstered their blue line with the signing of free-agent defenseman Blake Smith to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The 20-year-old Oshawa native brings an imposing presence at 6'5", 225 lbs, and is coming off a breakout season with the OHL’s Flint Firebirds, where he posted career-best numbers (10 goals, 22 assists, 32 points in 64 games). 

Playing on Flint’s top pairing alongside Kings prospect Matthew Mania, Smith showcased significant offensive growth after previously being buried in the lineup. 

🖊 We’ve signed defenceman Blake Smith to a three-year, entry-level contract beginning in the 2025-26 season pic.twitter.com/uFGJkCx38l

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) April 10, 2025

Originally drafted by the Oshawa Generals in the OHL Priority Selection, Smith was traded to Flint in 2022. Despite being ranked 155th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in 2023, he went undrafted—making him an intriguing late-blooming addition for Toronto.

Smith fits GM Brad Treliving’s preference for size on the back end. The Leafs’ current NHL defense corps is entirely 6'0" or taller, and their 2024 draft selections—including first-rounder Ben Danford (6'2")—further emphasize this trend. 

Only two unsigned Dubas-era prospects, Mike Koster and John Fusco, fall below that threshold.

This signing reinforces Toronto’s shift toward bigger, physically imposing players, with Smith joining a pipeline increasingly built on frame and strength over pure skill. 

Image - Dan Hamilton-Imagn