Overview
- Reports say the Maple Leafs have added defenseman Nick Blankenburg to training camp on a professional tryout contract; the reports cite Boston Globe reporter Kevin Paul Dupont and have not been confirmed by the team.
- Blankenburg is a 5-foot-9, mobile right-shot defenseman who recorded 24 points (eight goals, 16 assists) in 61 games split between Nashville and Colorado last season.
- The PTO is described as insurance for Chris Tanev if he is not cleared to start the season after March surgery, giving Toronto an extra, low-cost depth option on the blue line.
- Toronto is currently at the 50-contract limit and reportedly more than $2.75 million over the salary cap ceiling, so converting a PTO into a standard NHL deal would require opening a contract slot and cap room.
- Likely roster fixes noted in coverage include placing Max Domi on long-term injured reserve to create cap space or moving/deferring a contract slot, and the club’s decision will hinge on Tanev’s status and preseason evaluations.