Maple Leafs organization announces five deals, including new pacts with Tommy Miller, Zach Solow

As we approach the midway point of September, fans from around the various NHL and AHL cities are salivating at the thought of the return of hockey after what was a very long summer without.

The Toronto Maple Leafs made their PTO pact with Max Pacioretty official on Wednesday, but not to be upstaged, the Toronto Marlies took the opportunity to announce 5 new deals on hump day, including contracts for returnees Miller and Solow, as well as fellow Marlies from last season in Robert Mastrosimone and Matteo Pietroniro.

In addition to these 4 players re-upping with the organization, defenseman Ryan McCleary has earned himself a contract with the Marlies after a solid showing at Maple Leafs Summer Development Camp back in July.

This is a very big deal for McCleary, who spent last season with the Swift Current Broncos in the WHL, producing 11 goals and 25 assists for a total of 36 points in 56 games. The 21-year-old really came out of his shell in the postseason, though, producing 6 points in 9 playoff games. This will be the first pro season of McCleary's career.

All five of these deals are 1-year pacts, so we can expect all 5 of these players to work hard this season in hopes of earning themselves an extension and perhaps even an expanded opportunity with the organization.

Source: Toronto Marlies
Toronto Marlies Announce 5 Player Signings

Source: Elite Prospects
Ryan McCleary stats