Vincent Borgesi eager to learn from Jake Muzzin, Henry Thrun after signing with Maple Leafs

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Vincent Borgesi is looking forward to being mentored by Jake Muzzin and Henry Thrun as he begins his professional career with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.

The 22-year-old inked a two-year entry-level contract that begins in the 2026-27 season on March 17, along with an amateur tryout for the remainder of the 2025-26 season with the Marlies. Borgesi is coming off his senior season where he captained the team and ranked sixth overall in team scoring with 20 points (five goals and 15 assists) in 36 games, which was enough to earn him a nomination for the 2026 Hobey Baker Award.

Speaking with reporters after his first practice as a professional player on Tuesday, Borgesi said he is excited to get settled into his new digs in Toronto.

“ I’m kind of a loud guy and I like to learn, so you’re not gonna get better what’s out there right now. I’m definitely gonna use that to my advantage and obviously keep picking their brain,” Borgesi said on leaning on mentorship from Muzzin and Thrun. “ Today was awesome. Obviously, just trying to get my feet under me, get a little bit comfortable out there. But the guys on the back end have been awesome to me, giving me points and stuff, and obviously the coaching staff. Everything’s been awesome so far.”

Borgesi described himself as a two-way defender who can provide some offence while taking pride in his defensive game. He also likes to move the puck up the ice quickly in transition by making the smart plays stemming from his hockey-IQ. He is also a player who has seen a high volume of usage in each of his past two college seasons, averaging 28:04 in 2025-25 and 27:11 in 2025-26. So the time away from the ice in getting his visa has given him a chance to catch his breath for once.

“ I took a couple of days off there, so my cardio is back down to normal,” Borgesi said. “But  I keep myself in shape, and I take a lot of pride in being on the ice a lot.  Hopefully I don’t have to do that here as much, but it’ll be fun.”

Borgesi admitted that he never really had a skating coach or someone to help with his cardio, as he feels the high endurance comes naturally to him. It’s safe to assume that Marlies coach John Gruden will quickly realize that he can count on the Philadelphia native to tackle a heavy workload if necessary.

The benefit of getting to join the Marlies on an ATO is that Borgesi will get a chance to learn what it takes to be a pro while easing his way into the next phase of his hockey career.

“ I’m just trying to get my feet under me,” he said on what he is looking forward to the most down the stretch. “ Obviously meet all the guys, joining a new team, and stuff like that. Learn and contribute as much as I can to this team and make a playoff push here. So I’m excited.”

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