Loyal to the blue
With the Toronto Maple Leafs tight against the cap and the fact that Brodie and Bogosian were brought to Toronto, there were talks about potentially trading Dermott as he was expected to demand money that would have made the team extremely cash strapped.
The two sides were able to figure things out though as they agreed to a one year contract worth $874,125. A bargain deal for the Leafs and gets Dermott back on the ice without the potential of a contract holdout.
Ever since being drafted with the 34th overall pick in 2015, Dermott has been a reliable and capable defensive player on the Leafs blue line. While not the biggest contributor on the offensive side of things, just nine goals and 41 points in 157 career games, Dermott can really play defense and isn’t afraid to get into skirmishes while on the ice if needed.
Despite his contract being just one year, he should remain with the Leafs for the foreseeable future as he’s just 23 years old and is still a restricted free agent at the end of this season.
As the Leafs had little money to give out, it’s unlikely they were able to discuss a long term extension with him but it’s very possible they will next offseason when $13.65 million will be available.
The Leafs probably have Dermott as part of their future plans but for now, a one year deal will to for both sides to keep the 23-year-old in his hometown.