Yahoo Sports 'The Pressure Is Exciting': Is Cade Webber Ready for an NHL Opportunity After Maple Leafs Training Camp?
Cade Webber is ready to make an impression with the Toronto Maple Leafs ahead of his first pro season, wherever it may be.
When Toronto signed the 23-year-old defenseman out of Boston University, they were getting a 6-foot-7, 208-pound player who could play important minutes on the back end of a hockey team.
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Webber is taking part in the Maple Leafs' prospect camp this week ahead of a showdown against the Montreal Canadiens' rookies this weekend inside the Bell Center.
Following that, the important work — Toronto's NHL camp — begins. Webber hopes to leave a strong impression on Maple Leafs management once the weekend concludes.
"I think when I just stick to my game defensively, just be defensively sound, quick breakout passes, hard to play against. That's my game. That's kind of what they saw in me, so I don't want to change anything in that regard. I just want to keep getting better at that," he said.
The defenseman is entering the first season of a two-year, entry-level contract. With the abundance of defenders Toronto has ahead of training camp, it's likely Webber will begin the season in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies.
However, the Weston, Massachusetts, native isn't looking at where he might end up, but more so that he continues to grow as a player.
"I think just continuing to develop, just work on the defensive side of the game, getting stronger, just picking up on little things. Obviously, guys are bigger, stronger. They have better sticks," Webber said.
"So yeah, just developing in that regards and obviously learning. Learning from the coaches and use the resources here. So yeah, no matter where it is, I just want to put my best foot forward, just learn, take it all in and kind of grow as a player."
During the time spent with the Maple Leafs earlier this year, Webber took in a lot. He got a first-hand look, every day, at how NHL players prepare and what the game is like up close.
"I mean, it's obviously a big jump. But I think just getting that taste last year kind of showed what it takes, how the guys handle themselves, how much faster it is, even though it might not seem crazy fast from outside. But when you get on the ice, it's faster," he admitted.
"Guys make plays, they're always ready to play, so you can't take a shift off. But yeah, I'm just trying to learn day by day here, starting here, and then just kind of taking that into my own game and just sticking to that and see where it goes."
Webber also got an up-close and personal look at Toronto's gigantic fanbase.
"At the end of last year, it was probably the crowds and how busy the streets were. It's kind of awkward walking to the game in a suit. And then you've got Maple Leaf Square there," he said.
"I think the food. I'm from Boston, the North End's a big [food scene] but around here, every time I've gone out to eat, I've tried a new place. So I think, yeah, everyone's friendly around here. So yeah, so far it's been good."
As a prospect in the Maple Leafs organization, there are countless resources, like Webber said, to use that will develop his game. With time and growth, the defenseman hopes that he can be a part of the team that he saw the crowds flock for during the playoffs in the spring.
Webber also says he loves the pressure cooker of Toronto.
"Yeah, it's obviously something special. It just shows how much the city cares about their team and the passion they have. So that's just exciting. Obviously it could be pressure, but the pressure is exciting," Webber said.
"You want to obviously make a difference here in the city, and kind of the ultimate goal is to bring a Stanley Cup back here. I'm just going to continue to develop, work on my game, and hopefully when that time comes I'll be ready."
And his welcome to the NHL moment?
"I'd probably have to say the first playoff game at home. Just before the guys went on the ice, the rally towels, it was something special just seeing it from up top.
Just how the fans care and just the excitement in the building. It was loud. I've obviously been in Beanpot and stuff like that, in the Garden when I was younger for Game 7 and stuff. But that environment, it was special."
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