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"Always wanted to be": Steven Lorentz shares why he joined Maple Leafs on PTO
Steven Lorentz joined the Toronto Maple Leafs on a professional tryout (PTO). This means he's not guaranteed a spot on the roster and has the preseason and training camp to try and earn his way into the team. Lorentz said he wanted to join this team despite the challenges ahead.
A unique scheduling coincidence caused the Stanley Cup Final parade, of which Lorentz was a part, to run right up to the start of free agency.
"We were celebrating with the team... within 15 hours, I think we had six or seven guys already on new teams... With everything being so condensed, didn't really give you a whole lot of time to sit down and think about your future," Lorentz said on Monday (via First Up).
"Definitely had a lot of interest from other teams, and I was looking around, doing some reading on depth charts ... Being a Toronto Maple Leaf is something I've always wanted to be since I was a little kid ... This is an opportunity I thought I could come in and use what I learned last year. ... I think it could be a good fit."
He joins a perennial playoff team fresh off a championship with the Florida Panthers. If he does make the team, it could prove invaluable to their aspirations this season.
Steven Lorentz has option on left wing for Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs' depth chart at left wing was a subject of a lot of conversation this offseason. The position was weak, and the Leafs were not guaranteed to get Nick Robertson back. He did re-sign for one season, but there's still playing time to be had.
That could be the best option for Steven Lorentz. The team has also roped in 35-year-old free agent forward Max Pacioretty on a PTO, who could be another option. But as it stands, there's not a ton in the way of Lorentz making the team and finding a role to play within.
Lorentz hasn't been an overwhelming offensive threat during his career with the Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes and San Jose Sharks, but he's shown the ability to score in key situations.
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