Toronto Maple Leafs Re-Sign Young Forward

The Toronto Maple Leafs have re-signed Nicholas Abruzzese to a two-year, two-way contract. At the NHL level, he will carry a $775,000 cap hit. 

Abruzzese spent the majority of this past season with the Toronto Marlies, where he posted 16 goals and 48 points in 69 games played. Overall, it was a solid first full season for Abruzzese in the American Hockey League (AHL), and he will be aiming to build off of it in 2023-24. He also appeared in two games with the Maple Leafs, where he had two assists in two games.

With the Maple Leafs losing multiple players this offseason from their bottom six, there are spots to compete for. As a result, Abruzzese could be a dark horse candidate to make the Maple Leafs' roster at the start of the season. This is especially so when noting that he is making the league minimum. 

Abruzzese is a player who should be watched closely this season. If he takes another step forward, he could be a decent option for the Maple Leafs' bottom six. Let's see how he responds to his solid 2022-23 season from here.

photo credit: © John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports