The Toronto Maple Leafs have found unexpected success in the past by professional Tryouts (PTOs) as a means to sign useful players. Last season it was Max Pacioretty. In other seasons it was Noah Gregor and Zachary Aston Reese. The team is encouraged to follow this route again, while GM Brad Treliving is finishing the Roster.
In a recent message from editor in Leaf, three candidates were mentioned, with one particularly interesting option – Matt Grzelcyk.
Why Matt Grzelcyk for the Maple Leafs?
Together with Andreas Athansiou and Craig Smith, Edward Eng writes: “… add a potential puck-moving defender to improve the offensive potential of the Leafs from the back, can do wonders for the club in the future.”
He claims that the Leafs struggled last season with production from their blue line beyond Ster Morgan Rielly. He also notes: “Grelzcyk could possibly be an elite quarterback on the Power Play for the Leafs.”
Now 31 he set a career high last season with 40 points (one goal, 39 assists) more than 82 games. Interesting is that 15 of those points came to the Power Play.
Grzelcyk does not remain signed. It is unclear why he was unable to close a deal. Maybe he is waiting for the right offer or he just didn’t have been to someone’s radar. But if it is available and cheap, the Leafs would be wise to take advantage of this opportunity and offer Grzelcyk a PTO. They write: “With countless teams that still beam in offering the young 31-year-old a contract so far, it is time for Toronto to jump in and take advantage of the stagnating market and to give the defender a chance.”
His proven success of the Power Play could push Rielly and might add an attack from the back, something the team wanted with Mitch Marner now disappeared.
Next: Matthew Tkachuk weighs the operation decision: Miss Regular or Post season?
#Maple #Leafs #insisted #signing #potential #Power #Play #Quarterback #PTO