In a surprise move, Maple Leafs 2018 seventh round pick, Zachary Bouthillier has signed with the ECHL affiliate of the Leafs, the Newfoundland Growlers, for the remainder of this season. This deal is a standard player contract, not a tryout deal.
In the ECHL, at the end of the season, players who were under contract to the teams can be chosen for a reserve list which gives that team exclusive rights to the player the next year. ECHL contracts are always just for one season at a time.
Bouthillier was a surprise pick at the draft.