The Toronto Maple Leafs have been one of the most talked-about teams in the NHL this offseason, and on Thursday, they added to the excitement. The team announced that they have signed forwards Max Pacioretty and Steven Lorentz to one-year deals, in addition to inking defenseman Cade Webber to a two-year extension.
The 34-year-old Pacioretty is a high-profile signing for the Leafs. He is a talented forward who has spent the bulk of his career with the Montreal Canadiens, but has also had stints with the Las Vegas Golden Knights. After a tryout session with the Leafs, the team was convinced that Pacioretty had what it takes to be an impact player in their lineup this season.
Lorentz, 27, is another signing that has generated interest in Toronto. With experience in the Carolina Hurricanes and San Jose Sharks organizations, Lorentz adds to the Leafs' depth at left wing. He'll likely find himself in a supporting role off the bat but could potentially carve out a larger position for himself if he proves to be reliable.
While both of these signings were intriguing for Leafs fans, it was the Webber extension that offered the biggest surprise. At 20 years old, the defenseman still has his entire career ahead of him, and Leafs management clearly believes that his best years are still to come. Webber will surely be expected to bring defensive prowess and dependability as the youngest player on the Leafs blue line.
With this trio now in place, the Maple Leafs are starting to look like a force to be reckoned with in the 2023-2024 season. Fans should be eager to see how all of these signings work out when the puck drops on the NHL's new season.