With defenceman Chris Tanev and goaltender Joseph Woll signing on the dotted line a day after Max Domi and Timothy Liljegren did, the Maple Leafs have been busy.
The deals left GM Brad Treliving with $7.5 million (US) — though there are simple avenues to increase that amount — as the clock struck noon and the free-agent period began with the team likely to sign at least one more defenceman and one more goalie.
Tanev was the big fish they wanted, having traded for his negotiating rights. The 34-year-old defensive defenceman signed a six-year, $27 million deal (average annual value of $4.5 million) to take his shot-block ability to his hometown.
“It’s been a stressful last few days. Once I realized it wasn’t going to happen in Dallas and Toronto was able to trade for my rights, it was — I wouldn’t say inevitable — but we figured out a way to make this work,” Tanev told reporters Monday morning. “It’s super-exciting for me to come home and play for a team that has so much history, so much expectation and winning in Toronto is everyone’s ultimate goal.”
Tanev was born and raised in East York, though grew up a Red Wings fan but knows all about these Leafs.
“It’s a team with elite talent, some of the best players in the world,” Tanev said. “It’s impressive watching their top-end guys.”
Treliving knows Tanev well, having signed him in Calgary. The Flames traded him to Dallas at the trade deadline where he put on a defensive show, trying to shut down Connor McDavid and Edmonton Oilers.
Woll signed a three-year contract extension, effective for the 2025-26 season. The average annual value of the contract is $3.66 million. Woll, 25, posted a 12-11-1 record with a 2.94 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage in 25 games with the Maple Leafs during the 2023-24 season.
Domi, 29, had 47 points in 80 games and signed for four years at an average annual value of $3.75 million.
“It’s the first time I’ve had the stability I’ve been looking for,” Domi said. “Part of me bouncing around was trying to end up here. Got the opportunity to last year. Enjoyed every second, though it didn’t end the way we wanted to. Was hoping to put my feet on the ground and stick around for a while.”
Liljegren signed for two years, $3 million a year, avoiding what might have been a nasty arbitration case.
“Feels good. Toronto is always the place I wanted to be. I’m happy we got it done,” Liljegren said.
The Leafs also issued qualifying offers to restricted free agents Nick Robertson, Connor Dewar and Alex Steeves. They did not issue one to Noah Gregor, turning him into a unrestricted free agent.
About The Author
Leave a Reply