Low risk, high reward
Low risk, high reward players are always intriguing as if they exceed expectations, it only makes the team better which gives them another quality player they can rely on. If the player doesn’t pan out though, it doesn’t affect the team much as they weren’t expecting too much out of him anyways.
That’s exactly the situation regarding Jimmy Vesey who the Toronto Maple Leafs signed for $900,000 for the upcoming season. The former Hobey Baker award winner hasn’t been able to translate his success from college to the pros but the Leafs are hoping they can bring the best out of him.
He could find his groove with the Leafs as he could reunite with former college teammate Alexander Kerfoot but where he’ll be playing has yet to be determined.
He’s only on a one year commitment and the Leafs will hope for the best out of him but if he doesn’t do well, there are other guys that he can be replaced with.
Grade: B+
Crease insurance
Before the Leafs acquired Jack Campbell from the Los Angeles Kings last offseason, a backup goalie was a huge need for the team.
While Campbell is still under contract for another two years, the Leafs were able to land Aaron Dell on a one year, $800,000 deal. He was brought in simply to be an insurance player in case Frederik Andersen or Campbell go down with an injury.
Serving as the backup to Martin Jones on the San Jose Sharks for the past four seasons, Dell has a career record of 89-48-34 with a GAA of 2.76 and a save percentage of .908.
Goaltender depth will be crucial for this particular season as the NHL may look to cram in as many games as possible in a short time period. This is a great signing and while Dell will start the season with the Toronto Marlies, he should be up with the big club at some point during the season.