Free-agent middle Steven Lorentz is predicted to affix the Maple Leafs on an expert tryout, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reviews.
Lorentz, 28, stays unsigned over two months into free company after taking part in a depth function within the Panthers’ Stanley Cup win final June. He suited up in 16 of their 24 playoff video games, scoring twice and including an help whereas averaging a meager 7:07 per recreation.
The Ontario native performed a extra restricted function within the common season when he was a frequent wholesome scratch. The depth pivot noticed some spot responsibility on the penalty kill and had just one purpose and two assists in 38 video games.
It was Lorentz’s first and solely season in Florida. The Panthers acquired him from the Sharks in a commerce final summer season that despatched scoring winger Anthony Duclair to the Bay Space. He’s coming off a two-year, $2.1M deal he signed with San Jose in 2022 after being acquired from the Hurricanes within the Brent Burns commerce, doubtlessly making Toronto his fourth crew prior to now 4 years.
The 6-foot-4, 205-pound ahead will look to show precious in a depth function for the Leafs throughout coaching camp in hopes of a deal, seemingly a league-minimum one with a one-way construction. He hasn’t been assigned to the minors since earlier than the COVID-19 pandemic, suiting up with Carolina’s AHL affiliate (then in Charlotte) from 2017-20.
The Leafs aren’t teeming with wage cap house, however they’ve room for a possible league-minimum pickup like Lorentz. They’ve $1.275M in projected house with two open roster spots, per PuckPedia.
In 230 NHL video games over the previous 4 seasons, Lorentz has 21 targets, 22 assists, 43 factors, and a -26 score, averaging 10:47 per recreation. He can play each middle and left-wing and has posted a good 48.7 p.c win fee within the dot by way of practically 1,100 faceoffs.
Lorentz will compete with extra veteran depth items like Alex Steeves and prospects like Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten for a spot on Toronto’s opening evening roster.
