Maple Leafs' Intentions for UFA Forward on the Eve of Free Agency Revealed
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro | Imagn Images
The Maple Leafs and Steven Lorentz were a perfect match, but with free agency looming, the 29-year-old remains unsigned, despite his clear passion for being a Leaf.
Steven Lorentz lived out his childhood dream this past season, joining the Leafs at training camp on a PTO after winning the Stanley Cup the season prior with the Florida Panthers.
Betting on himself, Lorentz turned his dream into a reality, signing a one-year deal as training camp came to a close.
The 6'4" forward skated in 80 regular season games for the Leafs, tallying 8 goals, 4 of which were game-winning goals, and 19 points. He also skated in all 13 of the team's playoff games.
In December, it was reported that the Leafs wanted to get an extension done in January, but that desire unfortunately didn't result in a contract being signed.
Following a busy weekend in which GM Brad Treliving locked up Matthew Knies and John Tavares to new deals, the Leafs GM has turned his attention to Lorentz, according to TSN's Chris Johnston.
Not only did Lorentz immediately become a fan-favourite with the excitement and passion he brought to his interviews, but he also became a trusted forward for head coach Craig Berube, bringing speed, size and consistency to the Leafs' bottom-six and penalty kill.
Although free agency is quickly approaching, the Leafs and Lorentz should be able to find some common ground on an extension to keep the 29-year-old in Toronto. The interest appears to be there on both sides.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 30 | 2476 ANSWERS Maple Leafs' Intentions for UFA Forward on the Eve of Free Agency Revealed Should the Leafs re-sign Steven Lorentz? | ||
| Oh ya, just for the passion alone | 1658 | 67 % |
| No, he's a replacement level player | 266 | 10.7 % |
| Depends entirely on the cost and term | 552 | 22.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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