As news emerged that the Edmonton Oilers signed superstar Leon Draisaitl to an eight-year extension, making him the highest-paid player in NHL history, the Toronto Maple Leafs also made headlines by bringing Steve Lorentz on board with a Professional Tryout for the upcoming training camp.
While he might not be putting up 100-point seasons, he brings something to the table that neither Draisaitl nor any of the Maple Leafs’ stars have.
In all seriousness, and not to stir up any Oilers fans, Draisaitl is phenomenal, and I admit I’m envious of his new contract.
The 28-year-old Lorentz, drafted in the seventh round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft (the same draft as Mitch Marner), was part of the Charlotte Checkers’ 2018-19 Calder Cup-winning team, where he played 12 playoff games and registered five points.
Toronto Maple Leafs sign Cup winner to a PTO
The Kitchener, Ontario native established himself as a regular in the Hurricanes’ lineup during the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season, recording eight points in 45 games and averaging 10:26 of ice time per game. Since his rookie year, Lorentz has played for three teams over three seasons, including the San Jose Sharks and Florida Panthers, adding to his growing resume.
During his time with the San Jose Sharks, Lorentz played in all but two games that season and took on a role on the penalty kill, averaging nearly 1:30 of shorthanded ice time per game. The 6’4″ center also showcased some offensive prowess, scoring ten goals, including one on the power play and another while shorthanded.
Last summer, the Panthers acquired Lorentz along with a late draft pick in exchange for Anthony Declair. With the Panthers being a much stronger team, Lorentz’s role diminished, and he played just 38 games this past season, with his ice time dropping to an average of 8:47 per game. Despite the reduced usage, he increased his physical play, averaging nearly two hits per game.
In the playoffs, Lorentz found a significant role, appearing in 16 of the Panthers’ 24 games and contributing with a couple of key goals. Notably, in Game 3 of the first round against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Lorentz scored the eventual game-winning goal midway through the third period, helping the Panthers secure a 3-0 series lead. Additionally, in Game 2 of the second round against the Boston Bruins, with his team down 1-0 in the series, Lorentz scored early in the second period to tie the game, which sparked a goal spree and led to a 6-1 victory.
Leave a Reply