Wednesday Windfall: Maple Leafs Poised to Extend Star Forward in Blockbuster Deal
The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to engage in contract extension talks with pending UFA forward Steven Lorentz, according to Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos.
It had been a life-long dream of his to wear the Maple Leaf crest, so when 28-year-old Steven Lorentz was presented with a PTO opportunity, he jumped at the chance to compete for a job and wear the blue and white.
While it didn’t guarantee anything, Lorentz quickly became a team, coach and fan favourite with his personality and relentless work ethic, which led to his one-year deal.
After just four games this season, Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos reported that the Leafs were impressed with him and were already discussing the potential framework of an extension internally.
On a fourth line that has seen constant turnover, Lorentz has been the only member to skate in every game for the Leafs this season, indicating that he has earned the trust of head coach Craig Berube.
The 6’4, 208-pound winger, who can also play center, brings a unique combination of speed and physicality and has become an integral part of the Leafs’ penalty kill.
Tuesday saw Lorentz score a beauty of a game-winner against the New York Islanders, giving him 4 goals on the season and 7 points, quadrupling his goal output from last season in the same amount of games (38).
