Toronto Maple Leafs insider announces veteran on PTO lands roster position

Despite having several offers from other teams in the league, Steven Lorentz decided to join the Toronto Maple Leafs in an effort to help the city he grew up supporting win a Stanley Cup.

Luke Fox of Sportsnet spoke with Steven Lorentz about what drove him to sign a PTO with the Leafs. The list was never-ending when working with Head Coach Craig Berube and General Manager Brad Treliving. Their leadership style, vision, and culture all worked well together to make Lorentz easy to accept their plan.

The timing seems to be ideal for both parties at this point, even though the Leafs and Steven Lorentz have previously danced around possible deals. Perhaps the combination of Treliving and Berube's leadership was what ultimately got a deal over the finish line. Lorentz is aware of what to anticipate from this chance, having experienced what it takes to win a Stanley Cup while playing for the Florida Panthers. He would thus become an essential component of Berube's scheme because of his defensive dependability.

Steven Lorentz, who is currently on a PTO competing in training camp, has been lining up alongside Ryan Reaves and David Kampf at the center of the fourth line. He's been good enough thus far that most believe he's almost ready to sign a long-term contract with the Maple Leafs. Treliving has been frugal with PTOs so far, but he might give Lorentz a one-year league minimum contract in exchange for his diligent work habits and shutdown skills.

Although it hasn't been made public yet, Maple Leafs reporter Luke Fox firmly feels that Lorentz has already earned the new contract.

Nevertheless, it wasn't about the money. The fact that he remained loyal to his childhood team and thought they had a chance to make the playoffs speaks volumes about his character, even though he could have signed with a team that offered even greater pay.

Whether he stays on the team permanently or not, Lorentz will aim to make the most of his chance and dedicate himself to helping the Leafs realize their championship dreams.