Ex-Leafs Prospect Lands on Waivers Just a Few Months After Leaving the Organization

Drafted in the 4th round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, there was certainly hope within the Toronto Maple Leafs organization that forward Nick Abruzzese would be able to become a competent NHL forward for the big club.

Unfortunately, that never panned out as the Slate Hill, New York native only managed 11 games with the Maple Leafs during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.

While he never played in the NHL after 2022-23, Abruzzese was a key cog for the Toronto Marlies in the AHL, as he potted 48 points in 69 games in 2022-23, 52 points in 71 games in 2023-24, and 43 points in 71 games in 2024-25.

He was not tendered a qualifying offer from the Leafs this summer, which meant he was free to sign with any other team as an unrestricted free agent. Abruzzese wasted no time as he signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning on July 1st.

However, with training camp coming to a close and the regular season right around the corner, Abruzzese became a roster casualty as the Lightning continue to make moves to become roster compliant.

At this time of the year, many players are placed on waivers for the purpose of reassignment to the minors and Abruzzese was one of 7 that the Lightning cut earlier today, including Jakob Pelletier and Boris Katchouk who were also placed on waivers.

As has been the case over the last week and a bit, most players clear waivers so expect Abruzzese to remain with the Lightning organization unless there's another team out there that believes in the 26-year-old's potential or AHL production.