Maple Leafs prospect checkpoint: How did Cade Webber get through the five months of 2025-2026?

He has just one assist in 26 games with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, which shouldn’t come as much of a shock to those who recognize Webber as a defensive back. After all, he collected seven points (one goal and six assists) in 60 games the previous year, so it’s not too surprising that scoring was difficult for the 25-year-old.

It is worth noting that the reason why Webber has only played in 26 games is due to the fact that he has missed quite a bit of time due to various injuries and illness. In the games he has played, Webber has mainly been deployed on the second pair alongside Noah Chadwick, but there have also been times when he has been given a turn on the top pair.

Webber isn’t going to throw punishing hits into the open ice, but he will use his frame to cut off attackers entering the offensive zone with real fluidity. He also skates well for his size, and his mobility and spatial intelligence are his strongest attributes at this stage of his career.

He is still under contract through next season, so there is still plenty of time for him to finalize the other aspects of his game and move up the pecking order for substitute call-ups. The way he can reach pole position is by consistently winning puck battles and possessions, consistently demonstrating that he has NHL-ready attributes even without the offensive production.

It certainly won’t be easy, as it’s not often that one-trick ponies can make it to the show and stay there these days, but Webber could be that man to buck the trend. And who knows, he might finally get his chance later this season, with the prospects of the Leafs reaching the playoffs currently slim.

PRESENTED BY DAILY FACEOFF OLYMPIC COVERAGE