While the off-season in Toronto is never boring, a flurry of news dropped early this week to wrap up a drama-filled summer, a month before the puck drops. This week, the Maple Leafs signed RFA Nicholas Robertson, and free agent defenseman Jani Hakanpaa, and extended a PTO invitation to former Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty.
These signings can have some important impact on this roster, so let’s get into it.
Robertson Stays in Toronto on One-Year Deal
The stalemate ended between Robertson and the Leafs on Tuesday, as the club signed Robertson to a one-year, $875,000 contract. It is no secret that Robertson struggled to stay in the lineup under Coach Keefe last season, making his frustrations known when he requested a trade after the season ended. He had 14 goals and 27 points in 56 games last year, with zero points in six playoff games.
Heading into the playoffs, Keefe said this of Robertson not being in the lineup consistently. “When he comes in and out of the lineup, at times, you can overthink things. – Nick has had a terrific season here.”
Robertson felt that he should have had more time on the ice, resulting in him requesting a trade. Unfortunately for him, the Leafs had all of the leverage. He was a restricted free agent, which means if he didn’t sign, and the Leafs didn’t trade him, he wasn’t going to play. He is a young and talented player who needs to play, regardless of the logo on the uniform.
It is not as simple as plug and play, as Cowan and Minten, two top prospects, aim to break camp with the team as well.
Hakanpaa Adds Needed Depth to D-Core
A two-year, $6 million deal was reported in July, but due to health concerns, the deal was not finalized. Finally, after a summer of questions, the 6’6” defenseman was signed to a $1.47 million deal, much different than the contract originally in place. Hakanpaa is the last of three additions to a subpar defense, joining Tanev from Dallas, and Ekman-Larsson.
Hakanpaa had 12 points last season with the Stars, boasting a +10. He is +34 in 288 games, which will be a welcomed start to a Toronto team trusting a new goaltending tandem. His specialty is also on the penalty kill, where Toronto finished 23rd in the NHL last year.
Pacioretty Signs PTO
After playing 52 games in the last two seasons with the Hurricanes and Capitals, the former-star center has signed a professional tryout contract with Toronto. He had 23 points in 47 games last season and has not played more than 48 games in a single season since 2019-20. The Leafs are thin at left-wing and are hoping Pacioretty can turn back the clock to a time when injuries did not plague his career. This is the first summer in three years that he has been able to train fully.
What makes this PTO more curious, is the fact that Toronto is right up against the cap. They had only $400,333 of space before signing Hakanpaa to a $1.47 million cap hit, which means GM Brad Treliving will have some decisions to make heading into October. A team can exceed the salary cap by 10% throughout training camp but must be under by the time the season starts.
Final Thoughts
For the Toronto Maple Leafs, no signing, extension, or PTO will change the fact that the only thing this fanbase cares about is how it will all pan out in April. That being said, this is positioned to be better than in regular seasons past, which is saying something since the Leafs have been historically good over the last eight years.
While Robertson and his old coach may not have been on the same page, there’s a new sheriff in town. With that, comes a new range of opportunities, and that starts with solidifying a left-wing role out of camp. For Hakanpaa, he will be a welcomed addition in the bottom D-pair and the penalty kill. Pacioretty is worth giving a PTO and taking their shot. Can he get back to the good ol’ days? Most likely not, but if he can stay healthy, there’s no doubt his experience and production can do nothing but help their forward depth.
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