3 Veteran Defenseman Toronto Maple Leafs Should Give PTO

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Training camp is around the corner and there are still a ton of unsigned veterans who the Toronto Maple Leafs should offer a Professional Tryout (PTO) to.

At this point on the calendar, if you’re still unsigned, you’re in dangerous territory and the Toronto Maple Leafs should take advantage of that. PTO’s rarely blossom into everyday players, but it’s a no-risk situation that could really help the depth of this roster.

As of right now, the Leafs have goaltender Dylan Ferguson and forward Zach Aston-Reese on a PTO.

Ferguson would more than likely be given an AHL or ECHL contract in Toronto’s organization if the team likes him, while Aston-Reese has a legitimate chance at making the roster. The 28-year-old forward has 230 NHL games under his belt and has already proven he can be an everyday fourth-liner.

He’s not a huge name and he won’t show up on the scoresheet every night, but his defensive abilities will help this team significantly, as this year’s fourth-line could be very feisty.

As for the rest of the roster, it’s pretty much set and I can’t see the team looking to bring in anymore forwards. The only place I can see the Leafs adding is within their defense-core, as it seems less likely every day that Rasmus Sandin will be on the roster for opening night.

That may change in the upcoming weeks, but by all accounts, neither side seems willing to budge, yet.

As a result, here are three veteran defenseman that the Toronto Maple Leafs should give a PTO to.

ELMONT, NEW YORK – APRIL 29: Zdeno Chara #33 of the New York Islanders skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning at UBS Arena on April 29, 2022 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Toronto Maple Leafs Potential PTOs: No. 1: Zdeno Chara

He may be 45-years-old, but the one thing that never changes about him is his size. As Mike Babcock always said, “you can’t teach size.”

At 6-foot-9, 250 pounds, Chara will always be an intimidating factor and someone who can clear the front of the net.

His footspeed is obviously slowing down, but if he still wants to play, why not give him a PTO and see what he’s made of in training camp?

Over the past few years, the Toronto Maple Leafs have always been criticized for their toughness and grit, especially in the playoffs. Who better to fill that role and play that part than Chara, who has over 2,000 PIM’s in his career?

I know it sounds crazy to bring in a player who was drafted to the NHL one year before Auston Matthews was born, but with age, comes experience and that knowledge on the blue-line would be very valuable.

A PTO is a low-risk situation and if Chara falters in training camp, no big deal. Don’t sign him to a contract and move on. However, if he proves that he still has some juice left, it could be a perfect fit for both parties.

Keith Yandle #3 of the Philadelphia Flyers (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Keith Yandle

If you want a defenseman who’s going to play every night, Keith Yandle is your man.

Prior to a healthy scratch last year, Yandle had played in 989 consecutive NHL games, becoming the league’s “iron-man.” Being healthy-scratched is a tough way to lose your streak, but that was unfortunately the reality for the 35-year-old.

Yandle had a tough year with the Philadelphia Flyers last year, but who didn’t? That team was a joke and they blew up their roster, eventually trading Claude Giroux at the deadline. The iron-man streak may have caught up to Yandle, but he’s only two years removed from being a 45-point defenseman and three years from a 62-point campaign.

Yandle’s biggest attribute has always been his point production, as he’s consistently been a great assist-man and someone who can quarterback a power-play throughout his career.

At this point in his career, Yandle is without an NHL contract for next year and can still help an organization.

Toronto could still use another power-play specialist on the blue-line, so Yandle could be a perfect candidate to bring in on a PTO and potentially be someone who pushes Jake Muzzin out the door, as the Leafs still need to clear some salary-cap space.

Mar 23, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Colin Blackwell (11) battles for position with New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban (76) in the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: P.K. Subban

We’re halfway through September and P.K. Subban still doesn’t have an NHL contract for next year. Is it possible that the 33-year-old will go from making $9M AAV to a PTO?

We’ll just have to wait and see, but I really hope it’s true and that PTO is signed with the Leafs.

Since we’re so close to training camp, Subban’s leverage is completely gone, as there are only so many spots available for him to play. If he’s looking to make a lot of money again, those options are even more limited, as I’m sure the Arizona Coyotes would sign him tomorrow, but I doubt he wants to play there.

I don’t know this for a fact, but I have to believe, Subban wants to play for Toronto, before he retires. His personality and skillset is meant for the Leafs and it would be a shame if the two parties never reached an agreement.

We’re only days away from training camp opens, so Toronto needs to strike and make this happen. You don’t need to commit to a bunch of money and term right away with Subban, but instead, sign him to a PTO and see what happens.

Next. Leafs 2022-23 Season Line Projections. dark

If he’s even half the player he was back in his Montreal Canadiens days, then sign him right away. The manifestation of Subban becoming a Toronto Maple Leaf continues once again and hopefully it happens ASAP.

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