May 12, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing P.A. Parenteau (15) skates in game six of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated Montreal Canadiens 4-1 to win the series 4 games to 2. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
The First Free Agents
That was just the beginning of numerous moves made by the organization as the first half of 2015 was came to a close. July 1 was the opening of free agency and the Leafs weren’t about to sit around and watch the festivities. They struck early, signing defenceman Matt Hunwick to a 2-year deal just after the noon start time.
They followed that up by bringing in forwards P.A Parenteau and Marc Arcobello on 1-year deals before re-signing forward Daniel Winnik, who had been traded to the Penguins at the deadline, to a 2-year deal. All were added on short-term and reasonable contracts that should be relatively easy to move at the deadline for picks.
By far, the biggest news of the day came just after 1pm when it was reported that the Leafs had finally traded Phil Kessel to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The reaction was mixed. Some said: “Oh my god… how could they do this?”
Others said: “It’s about time!” Whatever the reaction was, one thing was for sure. Things were changing in Toronto. After years of false promises and half “rebuilds,” Shanahan and company were going to do what nobody else had ever done; a complete tear down.
More signings followed. Byron Froese was awarded an NHL contract after coming over on loan from the Cincinnati Cyclones and recording 42 points in 46 games for the Marlies last season. He’s only 24 and the Leafs are hoping he’ll turn out to be that late bloomer that comes along once every so often. Former Predator Rich Clune was signed to an AHL contract and may be a threat to make the big club in September.
Huge center Shawn Matthias was signed to a 1-year deal after scoring 18 goals for the Vancouver Canucks last season. Matthias and Clune will join Hunwick, Parenteau, Arcobello, and Winnik on the “I wouldn’t buy a house if I were you” list of Leafs.
Next: Leafs Cupboards Getting Replenished