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Maple Leafs sign two players on a PTO to official contracts

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Daniel Lucente
October 7, 2024  (10:40)
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Max Pacioretty with the Toronto Maple Leafs playing against the Ottawa Senators
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton - USA Today Sports

The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially extended contracts to Max Pacioretty and Steven Lorentz. Both players were on PTOs in training camp.

The Toronto Maple Leafs made a few massive roster moves on Monday, inking forwards Max Pacioretty and Steven Lorentz to one-year deals while extending defenseman Cade Webber. Both these moves have targeted the strengthening of their forward and defense lines as the team prepares for the new season. Between Pacioretty and Lorentz, signing with the Leafs after coming to training camp on professional tryout contracts, the experience and depth added to the roster are welcome; meanwhile, Webber's extension adds stability to the blue-line for years to come.

Max Pacioretty, 35, inked a one-year pact worth $873,770 annually with the potential to earn an additional $626,230 in performance bonuses. He played 47 games for the Washington Capitals last season, scoring four goals and 23 points, but his season was cut short as the Capitals were swept in the first round of the playoffs. After suffering two Achilles tendon injuries in as many years, how Pacioretty bounces back will go under the microscope. He's recorded 330 goals and 668 points in 902 games with the Montreal Canadiens, Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, and Washington Capitals during his career.

Steven Lorentz, 28, also signed a one-year contract with an average annual value of $775,000. He inked a professional tryout contract with Toronto on September 4 and had a goal in four preseason games. Last season, he spent time with the Florida Panthers and was part of their Stanley Cup run, chipping in with two goals and three points in 16 playoff games. Lorentz's NHL career got underway after being drafted 186th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2015, and he's gone on to record 21 goals and 43 points in 230 games between the Hurricanes, San Jose Sharks, and Panthers.

The Leafs also made long-term investments in their defense, signing 23-year-old defenseman Cade Webber to a two-year contract extension. Webber's new deal, which will start in 2025-26, will be a two-way for its first year before turning into a one-way deal in 2026-27 at an average of $825,000 per season. It looks to underscore the Leafs' belief in Webber's continuing development as a significant piece of their D corps in years to come.

The signings of Max Pacioretty and Steven Lorentz bring veteran leadership and versatility into the fold for the Leafs. Meanwhile, the contract extension of Cade Webber locks in a promising young defenseman for the future. With the additions, Toronto continues to build a roster designed for immediate success and long-term sustainability.

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Maple Leafs sign two players on a PTO to official contracts

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