The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly contemplating extending Steven Lorentz’s one-year deal after being impressed together with his robust begin to the season. Lorentz, who signed a $775,000 contract for the 2024-25 marketing campaign, turns into eligible for an extension on January 1, 2025.
A Stanley Cup winner with the Florida Panthers in 2024, Lorentz came to visit to the Maple Leafs this offseason and has slot in seamlessly to the brand new system underneath new head coach Craig Berube.
Maple Leafs Pondering About Extension For Lorentz Already
The Toronto Star’s Nick Kypreos wrote in a current article that the ahead has made fairly the impression in a brief period of time. Kypreos writes:
“Sounds just like the Leafs are so impressed with Steve Lorentz’s begin to the season that they wish to prolong his one-year deal in some unspecified time in the future within the new 12 months,”
supply – ‘Opinion | The Mitch Marner conundrum: A Maple Leafs star, a pissed off fan base and an unsure future’ – Nick Kypreos – Toronto Star – 10/17/2024
Initially introduced in on an expert tryout (PTO) after his Stanley Cup-winning season with the Florida Panthers, the 28-year-old ahead rapidly earned a spot on the Leafs’ roster. Via the primary 4 video games, Lorentz has registered two factors (1G, 1A), together with the game-winning aim in a 4-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils.
Recognized for his relentless play on the left wing of the fourth line, Lorentz has impressed the Leafs together with his physicality, accumulating seven photographs on aim, 11 hits, and 7 blocked photographs. His xGF% of 83.2% leads the NHL amongst gamers with a minimal of 20 5v5 minutes, additional showcasing his capability to make an influence in restricted minutes.
He attributed a part of his power to easily not eager to get booed by Maple Leafs followers. For sure, he endeared himself to the market pretty rapidly.
Is It Smart For the Maple Leafs To Rush Into This?
Kypreos isn’t saying that the Maple Leafs will get this deal completed on the day Lorentz is eligible to re-sign. That stated, the staff likes what they see and the suggestion right here is that they don’t wish to wait too lengthy. Given what he’s proven this season, it’s simple to know why they like him.
The query is perhaps, ‘What’s the push?’
There’s no motive for the Maple Leafs to keep away from ready till most, if not all the season has performed itself out. That’s, except they imagine Lorentz goes to go on some form of sizzling streak and put up huge numbers. That doesn’t appear probably given the position he performs on the staff.
He has one aim and one help in 4 video games. If the Leafs are utilizing a small pattern measurement to guage his total work and chemistry with the staff, it is perhaps key that they understand that’s a 41-point tempo. It far exceeds something he’s achieved within the NHL and it’s probably that stage of manufacturing drops because the video games roll alongside.
Nonetheless, there’s lots to love about his recreation.
Teammate William Nylander praised Lorentz, stating, “Nice participant and clearly received a Cup, so all the time need that type of expertise on the staff.” Lorentz’s gritty, old-school fashion aligns with head coach Craig Berube’s imaginative and prescient, making him a priceless asset transferring ahead. If his efficiency continues, an extension appears probably within the new 12 months.
What can the Leafs get him signed for? He’s making $775,000 this season and he’s by no means had a cap hit above $1.05 million, a contract he signed with the San Jose Sharks in 2022.
