DONE DEAL JUST NOW: Toronto Maple Leafs confirm a done deal in blockbuster trade just now
While the Edmonton Oilers made headlines by signing superstar Leon Draisaitl to an eight-year extension, making him the highest-paid player in NHL history, the Toronto Maple Leafs also made waves by bringing Steve Lorentz on board for a Professional Tryout ahead of training camp.
Though Lorentz may not be a 100-point player, he offers something unique that neither Draisaitl nor any of the Maple Leafs’ stars possess—a Stanley Cup ring. Lorentz earned that distinction this past spring with the Florida Panthers.
Jokes aside, and without ruffling any Oilers fans’ feathers, Draisaitl is truly exceptional, and I can’t help but be envious of his new contract.
At 28 years old, Lorentz was drafted in the seventh round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft (the same draft as Mitch Marner) by the Carolina Hurricanes. He was also part of the Charlotte Checkers’ Calder Cup-winning team in 2018-19, contributing five points in 12 playoff games.
Toronto Maple Leafs sign Cup winner to a PTO
The Kitchener, Ontario native established himself as a key player for the Carolina Hurricanes during the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season, notching eight points in 45 games and averaging 10:26 of ice time per game. Since then, Lorentz has played for three different teams over the past three seasons, adding the San Jose Sharks and Florida Panthers to his career list.
As just mentioned with @TheRog590, sounds like Stanley Cup champion Steven Lorentz is joining Toronto on a PTO
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) September 3, 2024
During his time with the San Jose Sharks, Lorentz played in all but two games that season and found a role on the penalty kill, averaging nearly 1:30 of shorthanded ice time per game. The 6’4″ center demonstrated some offensive potential, scoring ten goals throughout the season, including one on the power play and one while shorthanded.
Last summer, the Panthers acquired Lorentz, along with a late draft pick, in exchange for Anthony Duclair. With Florida’s stronger lineup, Lorentz saw a reduced role, appearing in just 38 games and averaging only 8:47 of ice time per night. Despite the lower ice time, he increased his physical play, averaging nearly two hits per game.
Lorentz contributed in the playoffs for the Panthers, appearing in 16 of 24 games and scoring some crucial goals. Notably, he scored the game-winning goal in Game 3 of the first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, giving Florida a commanding 3-0 series lead. In Game 2 of the second round against the Boston Bruins, he tied the game early in the second period, leading to a 6-1 victory for Florida.
It’s unlikely that Lorentz will make the Maple Leafs’ roster, and if he does, he may be used as a 13th forward. However, a strong performance in training camp could provide Brad Treliving with the opportunity to trade David Kämpf and potentially slot Lorentz into that role.