Following his professional tryout (PTO), Lorentz signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Leafs.
Following his professional tryout (PTO), Lorentz signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Leafs.
Growing up in Waterloo, Ontario, Steven Lorentz always dreamed of pulling on the blue-and-white jersey for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and thanks to a viral yearbook picture posted by his sister, Steph, the hockey world now knows just how far back that dream goes.
His sister Steph shared the image on X, quote tweeting the Leafs after Lorentz scored his first goal as a member of Toronto against the New Jersey Devils on October 10. The Leafs posted a ‘How it started vs How it’s going’ of Lorentz, and Steph captioned the post, “15 years ago, this year… don’t give up on your dreams, kids.”
In the photo, a young Lorentz filled out the yearbook prompt from 2009, “Where I’ll be in 15 years.” His answer: “Playing in the NHL (with the Leafs).”
Steph’s post racked up over 15,000 likes. On Saturday morning, ahead of the Maple Leafs’ matchup against the New York Rangers, Lorentz addressed reporters following an optional practice at the Ford Performance Centre. He reflected on the viral post and the surreal experience of wearing the Leafs' sweater daily, admitting that it likely wasn’t the first time he had written those words.
“Oh, that's going way back,” Lorentz said in reaction to the post. “I probably put that, that was probably not the only yearbook I put that in, but that was definitely the goal my whole life. To be able to be standing here right now in front of you guys is definitely special. I take a lot of pride in that and I don't take it for granted.”
Admittedly, Lorentz claimed his phone has been ‘going crazy’ the past few days over the reactions from the unveiling of an old yearbook photo. However, it’s reminded him daily how much of a full circle the experience has become, not taking any day for granted.
“I haven't really checked my phone because it was going crazy for a little bit there,” Lorentz explained. “But talking to some of my friends and family, they're like, ‘Yeah, it's pretty cool that it has kind of come full circle.’ So like I said, I'm just, I'm not taking these days for granted. It's definitely cool to be able to pull the sweater over every single day.”
Coming off a Stanley Cup victory with the Florida Panthers, Lorentz had other options aside from an original professional tryout (PTO) with the Leafs, but the 28-year-old was eager for the chance to make his dream a reality. Pursuing a deal with his favorite team and committing to the franchise’s vision, Lorentz signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Maple Leafs ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Head coach Craig Berube and the Leafs have been so impressed that the team is reportedly interested in extending the forward in the new year. Appearing in all four games, playing primarily on the fourth line, Lorentz has registered two points (1G, 1A), seven shots on goal, 11 hits, and seven blocked shots.
Lorentz recalled that, like many young hockey players, he dreamed big with his friends as a hometown kid. Some of those early friends took hockey seriously too, with a few making it as far as junior hockey – but regardless, as he recollects, it was every kid’s dream in Southern Ontario.
“I mean, I think a lot of kids probably put that (dream) in the air,” said Lorentz. “Yeah, everyone. Most of us. Especially after a good mini-stick game at recess. Some of the guys are probably like, who knows, maybe they got a shot. But, yeah, no, some of those guys at the time, again, a lot of those guys I played hockey with growing up, and a couple of guys made it to juniors. So, I mean, it's every kid's dream. To be able to be standing here right now, like I said, is very special.”
Lorentz will look to continue his strong start on the fourth line on Saturday, with puck drop set for just after 7:00 p.m. at Scotiabank Arena.
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