The Toronto Maple Leafs have added depth forward Vinni Lettieri, signing him to a one-year contract valued at $775,000.
The 30-year-old from Excelsior, Minnesota, has accumulated a total of 32 points (15 goals and 17 assists) across 155 games in his NHL career. He has previously played for the New York Rangers, Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild, and Boston Bruins.
During the past season with Boston, Lettieri appeared in 26 games, where he scored three goals and added two assists. He also proved effective in the American Hockey League (AHL) for Boston`s affiliate in Providence, Rhode Island, recording 50 points (21 goals, 29 assists) in 50 contests.
This signing comes shortly after the Maple Leafs` significant move on Tuesday, which saw them trade star winger Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade transaction. This trade occurred just before the opening of NHL free agency after Marner decided not to sign an extension with Toronto.
Toronto continues its efforts to bolster its forward group after the departure of Marner, who led the team with 102 points last season. In the trade, the Leafs acquired center Nicolas Roy, securing at least one key asset in return.
Other recent signings by the Maple Leafs include forward Michael Pezzetta, along with fellow forwards Travis Boyd and Benoit-Olivier Groulx, and defenseman Dakota Mermis.
Before free agency officially began on Canada Day, Toronto also successfully signed restricted free agent winger Matthew Knies to a substantial six-year contract worth $46.5 million, preventing him from hitting the open market. Other forwards remaining with the team include John Tavares (four years, $17.55 million) and Steven Lorentz (three years, $4.05 million). Meanwhile, Pontus Holmberg has moved on to the Tampa Bay Lightning and Alex Steeves has joined Boston.
