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The Toronto Maple Leafs are watching their opponents stock up ahead of the season as four new PTO signings have been announced courtesy of Frank Seravalli.
With the preseason starting in about a week, the Toronto Maple Leafs don’t have much time if they want to make a signing for someone like Jack Roslovic or even a PTO to see what they can offer.
They’ve seen several of their rivals load up ahead of the season in case of emergency, and with Toronto not the youngest group and injury prone; the depth signings might need to be a little deeper.
Why Division Rivals Are Loading Up With PTOs While the Maple Leafs Stand Pat
Well, they are going to be on the outside looking in yet again as NHL Insider Frank Seravalli announced that four more signings have occurred with two of them signing with the Panthers.
The four players are Andrej Sustr, Daniel Walcott, Brett Murray, and Josh Lopina; with Sustr heading to the Rangers, Murray to the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Panthers scoop up both Lopina and Walcott.
For Florida, it’s another couple of signings in the wake of the Matthew Takchuk injury, and with his timeline for a return not until 2026; they need as much insurance as possible.
Sustr, 34, last played in 2021-22 for the Anaheim Ducks; in his 361 career games he’s posted 69 points (11 goals, 58 assists) and is a massive presence at 6’7 and the Rangers will bring him in as some much needed back end intimidation.Walcott, 31, is a defenseman with one NHL game under his belt, spending time with Tampa Bay in 2020-21 and will likely be some more AHL depth for the Panthers.Lopina, 24, was drafted 98th overall by the Ducks in 2021 but has only been an AHL player thus far after a solid collegiate career. At least his youth provides him some more upside and could be a factor for the team down the line in a smaller role.Murray, 27, is a big power forward who played in three games for the Buffalo Sabres in 2024-25; he was drafted 99th overall by the Sabres in 2016.
What Toronto Risks by Sitting Out the PTO Market
Well first and foremost they miss out on adding any potential insurance for both their NHL and AHL squads. You’ve got enough bodies who can help out at the NHL level, but who comes in to take over their spot?
The need for some smaller depth roles for the Marlies should lead Brad Treliving to make a couple of signings even at strictly the AHL level in order to help out.
They may also still be waiting to see what’s going on with Jack Roslovic, as there’s a potential that this radio silence and lull from the team is part of their plan, plus they could have a trade in the background that we don’t know about yet.
But in seeing their rivals, especially Florida, find themselves a ton of insurance and perhaps a diamond in the rough (like Lopina) it’s going to be frustrating for Toronto if they miss out yet again on players who could potentially help.
So time is ticking Brad, your rivals are making moves. Time for you to make one now.
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Maple Leafs Watch as Rivals Load Up on PTO Signings Ahead of Season
Is Toronto waiting to sign Jack Roslovic or are they going to make a different signing?