Maple Leafs sign Stanley Cup champion to a PTO contract with hopes of shoring up centre depth

On Tuesday, Toronto came to an agreement with free agent centre Steven Lorentz to sign a PTO in order to showcase what he has for the team and if he can add that centre depth that the Maple Leafs desperately need.

Lorentz, who spent last season with the Panthers after being acquired as part of the Anthony Duclair trade; had a down year with only 1 goals and 2 assists in 38 games, however is only two years removed from double digit goals and putting up 19 points in 80 games. He was originally drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes as a late pick (7th round, 186th overall) and bounced around the AHL and ECHL before settling into a depth role for the Hurricanes. He was shipped off to San Jose along with Eetu Makiniemi and a 3rd-round pick for Brent Burns and Lane Pederson.

His role as a big, powerful two-way forward fits new head coach Craig Berube's mindset and strategy, and if he can find chemistry with his linemates (perhaps Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan) the sky's the limit for the 28 year old. He's 6'4 and just south of 220 pounds and is willing to throw his body in the way of shots, or throw it in the way of people; registering over 200 hits the last two seasons combined.

He could fit well into the Maple Leafs new system, and if he performs well enough during camp, or finds some underlying chemistry with some guys already on the roster; he could find himself lining up for the team come season opener.

Source: Hockey Reference
Steven Lorentz

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