Steven Lorentz extension?
So far in the early parts of this year, Lorentz has been a feel-good story with a yearbook quote being released of him stating that in 15 years he will be playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Everybody loves a homecoming story, especially in Toronto, and with his early season play, he seems to have endeared himself to the fanbase as well as the front office.
NHL insider Nick Kypreos said this weekd that the Leafs are considering an extension. Lorentz joined the Maple Leafs training camp on a PTO, earning himself a one-year, league minimum ($775,000) contract. He won a cup with the Panthers last season and he looks like he could be cashing in soon as he tries to win another with his hometown team.
The Leafs should be wary here. Yes, Loretnz is fitting in nicely, but why lock up players to long-term contracts when players like Lorentz are availabel for free every single year. You can maintain flexibility instead of locking yourself in, and that's a great advantage in a cap league.
Joseph Woll joins practice and set to play this week?
Joseph Woll entered the season as the presumptive starting goaltender for the Maple Leafs with the American being locked up for at least the next four seasons following a three-year extension he signed over the summer. He was set to share the crease with new free agent addition and Stanley Cup champion, Anthony Stolarz. However, after suffering an injury in the final week of preseason action, Woll was placed on Injured Reserve (IR) to start the season.
Thankfully, last week he took to the ice in practice for the first time since sustaining his injury and could see action as early as Tuesday but after missing Saturday's practice is in what was called a "scheduled day off" raises red flags. It remains to be seen when he will make his debut but it is possible that he does in short order. (All contract and information viaPuckpedia.com).
It has been a busy week and this next week looks to be even busier with five games in eight nights coming up. Hopefully, the rumor mill is able to slow down and we get clarity on a few of these rumors soon.