Maple Leafs Sign RFA Defenseman

The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced they have signed restricted free-agent defenseman, Travis Dermott to a one-year contract worth $874,124.

Great value contract for the Maple Leafs, who see Dermott as a solid 5/6 defenseman who can play either side, skates well and can move the puck. Dermott will be up against KHL star Mikko Lehtonen and sophomore Rasmus Sandin for ice-time as the Maple Leafs defensive depth is a touch crowded.

🖋 Putting pen to paper

Travis Dermott has signed a one-year contract extension! #LeafsForever

Details: https://t.co/II8XdVKlPb pic.twitter.com/Mee7gwNCu1
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) October 23, 2020

Dermott appeared in 56 games last season for the Leafs, recording 11 points and had one point in five playoff games. The deal sets Dermott up for a big pay raise on his next deal and with arbitration rights next year, Dermott will certainly have more negotiating leverage to land himself some more money and term.

Travis Dermott, signed 1x$0.87M, is a top-end bottom pairing defensive defenceman. He's been crushing limited minutes since he entered the NHL. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/lhSsFSvyVq
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) October 23, 2020

The deal will go down as a win for Toronto who are up against the cap. Leafs Nation is hoping to see much more from Dermott, who has been a fan favorite since day one.