Former Avalanche defenseman Nick Blankenburg has turned his Toronto PTO into a one-year, $1.4 million contract after making an impression with the Maple Leafs.
Nick Blankenburg turned his opportunity with the Toronto Maple Leafs into an NHL contract.
The Maple Leafs signed the former Colorado Avalanche defenseman to a one-year, $1.4 million deal Sunday after Blankenburg joined the club on a professional tryout. For the Avalanche, it marks another chapter in the story of a player who made a memorable impact in a short stint with Colorado.
The Avalanche acquired Blankenburg at the 2025-26 trade deadline, bringing in the right-handed defenseman to add depth to the blue line for the stretch run.
Blankenburg appeared in 12 regular-season games with Colorado, scoring twice and adding an assist for three points.
He also suited up in five playoff games.
His biggest moment came in Game 2 of Colorado’s second-round series against the Minnesota Wild. Blankenburg scored his first career playoff goal with his parents watching from the stands, making the moment even more meaningful for the 28-year-old defenseman.
Colorado ultimately chose not to bring Blankenburg back in free agency. Instead, the Avalanche turned their attention to Noah Juulsen, who had spent the previous season with the Philadelphia Flyers, as they continued to build out their defensive depth.
Blankenburg found another opportunity with Toronto.
After earning a PTO with the Maple Leafs, he made enough of an impression to secure a one-year contract worth $1.4 million.
The deal comes after Blankenburg recorded a career-best season offensively between Nashville and Colorado. He finished the 2025-26 campaign with eight goals and 16 assists.
Blankenburg has now appeared in 178 NHL games, recording 18 goals and 40 assists.
For the Avalanche, Blankenburg’s time in Colorado was brief, but it included a series of memorable moments. Now, he gets another chance to establish himself in Toronto.
How do you think Blankenburg will fare in Canada? Let us know down below.
