Sportsnet’s Luke Fox has indicated that a veteran player on the Maple Leafs may have already secured a spot on the team ahead of their season opener on October 9th.
Ontario native Steven Lorentz seems well-suited for the Toronto Maple Leafs, with a contract likely to follow his professional tryout (PTO).
As the offseason wraps up, the Maple Leafs are faced with critical lineup decisions, including those involving their two PTO players: Max Pacioretty and Steven Lorentz. Despite receiving multiple offers from different teams, Lorentz opted for a PTO with the Maple Leafs. It’s understandable that many teams are interested in the sizeable forward, especially considering his experience with the Florida Panthers last season, where he won a Stanley Cup. What is surprising, however, is Lorentz’s decision to choose the Maple Leafs’ PTO over a guaranteed contract from another team.
Luke Fox reports that Lorentz recognizes the type of player he needs to be to succeed in Toronto, which may have influenced his choice to pursue a spot with the Maple Leafs. Fox also believes that Lorentz has likely already made the team.
Lorentz is committed to following coach Craig Berube’s directives, which he clearly understands.
“I need to check hard, play defense, be effective on the penalty kill, and bring that energy. That’s been my approach, and that’s how I’ve found success in my NHL career,” says Lorentz. “The simpler I play, the better. I aim to stay under the radar and make the right plays on both ends of the ice.”
“I’m not simply going to go for the highest offer. I want to be in the right environment, on a team I believe can succeed,” he adds.
Lorentz also reflected on how his playing style complements the Maple Leafs and the significance of donning their iconic colors:
“I’ve believed for some time that my game fits well within this system, especially with the elite talent in the top lines. I think I can use my size and speed to create a role in the bottom six.”
“Watching this team over the years, it’s frustrating to see their potential but fall short. Honestly, there’s a part of me, the kid inside, that still wants to see them win and lift that Cup. So, when I visited at the end of summer and saw the facilities, it was an easy decision to come here.”
Despite starting camp with an injury, Lorentz has performed well. Last season, he was part of a shutdown line for the Panthers and played an essential role during their playoff journey to the Cup. He recorded 3 points in 38 regular-season games and another 3 points in 16 playoff games.
Often playing with fourth-line center David Kampf, it seems likely that Lorentz will sign with the Maple Leafs; however, this is contingent upon finding ways to clear cap space before the season opener against their long-time rivals, the Montreal Canadiens, which is just a week away on Wednesday, October 9th.
