As the Toronto Maple Leafs navigate the final stages of their off-season roster construction, a familiar strategy is gaining traction: the professional tryout (PTO). Known for uncovering valuable players through this method, the Leafs are being encouraged to explore this avenue once again to address specific needs within their lineup.
Last season, Max Pacioretty was signed via PTO. In previous years, Noah Gregor and Zach Aston-Reese secured contracts after successful tryouts. With the departure of Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights, the Leafs are looking to add offense.
One name that has emerged as a potential PTO candidate is Matt Grzelcyk. The suggestion comes from Editor in Leaf, who identifies Grzelcyk, along with Andreas Athanasiou and Craig Smith, as players who could benefit the team.
The rationale behind targeting Grzelcyk lies in his potential to bolster the Leafs' offensive capabilities from the blue line. Last season, the team's offensive production from defensemen beyond Morgan Rielly was limited. Adding a puck-moving defenseman like Grzelcyk could provide a significant boost in that area.
Grzelcyk, 31, is currently an unsigned free agent, despite setting a career-high of 40 points (one goal, 39 assists) in 82 games last season. Notably, 15 of those points came on the power play, showcasing his potential as an "elite quarterback" in that situation. It remains unclear why Grzelcyk hasn't secured a contract yet, but his availability presents an opportunity for the Leafs to capitalize on a stagnant market.
The potential benefits of signing Grzelcyk to a PTO are multifold. His proven power-play prowess could elevate the team's special teams performance and provide a different look alongside Rielly. Furthermore, his offensive contributions from the back end could alleviate some of the pressure on the forward group, especially with Marner's absence.
Of course, Grzelcyk isn't the only player mentioned as a potential PTO candidate for the Leafs. Andreas Athanasiou, a 31-year-old forward, is another name that has been suggested. Athanasiou is a few years removed from his 40-point season with the Chicago Blackhawks. A PTO could give Athanasiou an opportunity to revive his career.
Other options that the Maple Leafs could consider for PTOs include Klim Kostin, Jimmy Vesey and Marc-Edouard Vlasic.
As training camp approaches, the Maple Leafs will need to make decisions on how to finalize their roster. Exploring the PTO market could provide a cost-effective way to address their needs and potentially unearth a hidden gem. With a clear need for offensive contributions from the defense and a power-play quarterback, Matt Grzelcyk represents a compelling option worth considering for a professional tryout.
