The Toronto Maple Leafs have added forward Vinni Lettieri to their roster, signing him to a one-year contract valued at $775,000. The team announced the signing on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old player, who hails from Excelsior, Minnesota, has accumulated a total of 32 points (15 goals, 17 assists) over his 155-game NHL career. He has previously played for the New York Rangers, Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild, and Boston Bruins.
During the previous season, Lettieri played 26 games for Boston, recording three goals and two assists. He was more prolific with their American Hockey League affiliate in Providence, Rhode Island, where he scored 21 goals and provided 29 assists for 50 points in 50 games.
This signing follows a significant move by the Maple Leafs on Tuesday, when they traded star winger Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade deal. Marner was dealt after he chose not to sign a contract extension with Toronto, just before the opening of NHL free agency.
Toronto is actively seeking offensive reinforcements after losing their top scorer, who registered 102 points last season. As part of the Marner trade, the Leafs acquired center Nicolas Roy, securing at least one asset in return.
In addition to Lettieri, the Leafs also signed other players recently. These signings, made on Tuesday, included forward Michael Pezzetta (known for his physical play), fellow forwards Travis Boyd and Benoit-Olivier Groulx, and defenceman Dakota Mermis.
Before free agency opened on Canada Day, Toronto secured winger Matthew Knies with a significant six-year contract extension worth $46.5 million, preventing him from becoming a restricted free agent. Other forwards remaining with the team include John Tavares, who signed for four years at $17.55 million, and Steven Lorentz, signed for three years at $4.05 million. Meanwhile, forwards Pontus Holmberg has left for the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Alex Steeves has joined Boston.
Tristan Blackwood