The Toronto Maple Leafs make another bad defensive signingThe Toronto Maple Leafs have recently bolstered their roster by signing several notable players, aiming to strengthen their lineup for the current NHL season.
**Max Pacioretty**: On October 7, 2024, the Maple Leafs signed veteran forward Max Pacioretty to a one-year contract valued at $873,770. Pacioretty, 35, brings a wealth of experience, having accumulated 668 points (330 goals, 338 assists) over 902 NHL regular-season games with teams including the Montreal Canadiens, Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, and Washington Capitals. In the 2023-24 season, he recorded 23 points (4 goals, 19 assists) in 47 games with Washington. His leadership as a former captain of the Canadiens and his consistent offensive contributions are expected to provide valuable depth to the Maple Leafs’ forward group. citeturn0search2
**Steven Lorentz**: Also on October 7, 2024, the Maple Leafs signed forward Steven Lorentz to a one-year contract worth $775,000. Lorentz, 28, joined Toronto after winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in the previous season. He has amassed 43 points (21 goals, 22 assists) over 230 career NHL regular-season games with the Panthers, San Jose Sharks, and Carolina Hurricanes. Known for his defensive reliability and versatility, Lorentz is anticipated to compete for a spot in the Maple Leafs’ bottom-six forward group, potentially filling the role left vacant by Tyler Bertuzzi’s departure. citeturn0search2
**Cade Webber**: On the same date, defenseman Cade Webber signed a two-year contract extension with the Maple Leafs, beginning in the 2025-26 season. The contract is structured as a two-way deal for the 2025-26 season and transitions to a one-way deal in 2026-27, carrying an average annual value of $825,000. Webber, 23, spent the previous season with Boston University, recording six assists in 38 games and earning the title of Hockey East’s Best Defensive Defenseman for the 2023-24 season. Standing at 6’7″ and weighing 210 pounds, he was acquired by the Maple Leafs from the Carolina Hurricanes in March 2024. citeturn0search2
These strategic signings reflect the Maple Leafs’ commitment to enhancing their roster with experienced and versatile players, aiming to achieve greater success in the current NHL season.
