3 Maple Leafs Players on One-Year Deals Who Should Be Extended
As of January 1, 2025, NHL teams can extend players who signed one-year contracts, and the Toronto Maple Leafs have five players eligible for extensions: Steven Lorentz, Connor Dewar, Max Pacioretty, Nick Robertson, and Jani Hakanpää. Philippe Myers, originally part of this group, signed a two-year extension shortly after the new year. Among the remaining eligible players, three stand out as significant extension candidates.
Connor Dewar
Connor Dewar has quietly proven himself as an essential piece for the Maple Leafs, showing the attributes every competitive team seeks in a high-energy forward. Though not physically imposing, his relentless effort in puck battles, knack for disrupting opposing plays, and his effectiveness in defensive situations make him a valuable asset. Dewar’s standout skill is penalty killing, a crucial area where the Leafs will need support as the playoffs approach. His ability to seamlessly pair with various teammates and shut down opposing power plays highlights his importance to the team.
From a contract perspective, a two-year deal worth $1.25 million per season would be ideal. It would provide Dewar with a raise from his current $1.18 million cap hit and grant him additional term stability. For the Maple Leafs, securing him at this rate would help maintain a cost-effective and impactful fourth line.
Steven Lorentz
The Maple Leafs are reportedly planning to offer Steven Lorentz an extension, a move that aligns with his strong season performance. Though not a flashy player, Lorentz’s defensive reliability and work ethic have been instrumental. He’s trusted in key situations such as penalty killing and momentum-shifting shifts on the fourth line. Notably, he has zero penalty minutes this season, making him a dependable choice for head coach Craig Berube.
Lorentz’s physicality and consistent effort make him an asset for the grueling playoff grind. A two-year extension at $1 million per season would be a smart deal, providing the Leafs with a reliable, low-cost fourth-liner while giving Lorentz the chance to continue playing for his childhood team.
Max Pacioretty
Max Pacioretty, another extension candidate, has been effective when healthy despite dealing with injuries. He has embraced his role within the team, contributing with big hits and forming a productive second line alongside John Tavares and William Nylander. His chemistry with these teammates has been evident both on and off the ice.
However, Pacioretty is not an immediate priority for an extension. Choosing not to extend him could open opportunities for younger players like Nikita Grebenkin or Fraser Minten or allow the Leafs to pursue another veteran on a league-minimum deal. While an extension for Pacioretty isn’t urgent, a one-year deal matching his current salary of $873,770, possibly increasing slightly to $875,000, would be reasonable if management decides to retain him in the offseason.
Conclusion
Securing extensions for Connor Dewar and Steven Lorentz should be high on the Maple Leafs’ priority list now that the January 1 eligibility threshold has passed. Both players offer significant value at low cap hits, which is crucial for a competitive team. General Manager Brad Treliving would benefit from finalizing these deals before the March 7 NHL Trade Deadline, ensuring the team is well-prepared for a deep playoff run.
