Maple Leafs Reportedly Lose Two Prospects on Day One of Free Agency

As the opening day of NHL free agency unfolds, teams are quickly reshaping their rosters, and that includes both additions and losses.

The Toronto Maple Leafs already made a notable signing when they added violent forward Michael Pezzetta on a two-year deal, aiming to inject more grit and physicality into their lineup.

But while their Maple Leafs roster gained a piecr, the organization lost two valuable depth pieces from the AHL's Toronto Marlies.

Prospects Nick Abruzzese and Alex Steeves are both moving on from the Maple Leafs.

As per Nick Barden on X:

As per Leafs Updates on X:

While neither player became a full-time NHL regular, Steeves and Abruzzese were key contributors for the Marlies.

Steeves, in particular, showed promise this past season, recording 1 goal and 1 assist in 7 NHL games, and putting up an impressive 36 goals and 62 points in 59 games with the Marlies.

His AHL dominance, coupled with his play while called up, has shown he may be ready for a permanent NHL role.

Both Abruzzese and Steeves leave noticeable gaps in the Marlies' lineup, but the Maple Leafs still have time to address those losses. With free agency just getting started, replacements could come sooner rather than later. Stay tuned.