Overview
- Reports from multiple outlets say the Leafs signed Nick Blankenburg to a professional tryout contract to attend training camp on Saturday.
- Blankenburg is a 28-year-old, right-shot, puck-moving defenseman who had 24 points in 61 games last season split between Nashville and Colorado.
- Toronto views the move as insurance because Chris Tanev has not yet been medically cleared to play and the team needs mobile, puck-moving right-hand options.
- The PTO does not create a cap hit and cannot be converted to a standard NHL contract until the Leafs open a 50-contract roster spot or create salary-cap room, for example through Max Domi going on long-term injured reserve or another roster move.
- The Leafs have a recent record of turning PTO invitees into roster players, so strong camp play by Blankenburg could lead to a minimum deal once Toronto clears space.