Lorentz is signed to a one-year deal at the beginning of the 2024-25 NHL season and becomes eligible for an extension on January 1, 2025.
Lorentz is signed to a one-year deal at the beginning of the 2024-25 NHL season and becomes eligible for an extension on January 1, 2025.
After addressing their blueline and crease via NHL free agency in the offseason, the Toronto Maple Leafs were seeking to add depth upfront offensively. In addition to granting a professional tryout (PTO) to Max Pacioretty, the Leafs also brought in Stanley Cup champion Steven Lorentz.
The forward had a strong training camp and preseason, converting his professional tryout to a one-year, $775,000 deal for the 2024-25 NHL season. Through four games of the regular season, the Leafs have liked what they’ve seen from the 28-year-old. In fact, according to The Toronto Star’s Nick Kypreos, the Leafs have been so impressed by Lorentz they may be interested in extending the forward in the new year.
“Sounds like the Leafs are so impressed with Steve Lorentz’s start to the season that they would like to extend his one-year deal at some point in the new year,” Kypreos wrote on Thursday.
Lorentz becomes eligible to sign an extension on January 1, 2025. Though it has only been four games, a small sample size, he’s been effective and has fit seamlessly into the Maple Leafs’ lineup. Appearing in all four games the club has played, the Waterloo, Ontario, native has registered two points (1G, 1A), both coming in the 4-2 road victory over the New Jersey Devils – which he scored the game-winning goal on a nifty backhand.
Beyond the scoresheet, Lorentz’s linear style of play aligns with what head coach Craig Berube expects from his bottom-six forwards. Playing primarily on the left wing on the fourth line, he plays very up and down the ice, relentless, and unafraid to throw his weight around. Lorentz has accumulated seven shots on goal, 11 hits, and seven blocked shots through the first four games.
“I mean, I think he just likes it, you know, a little more old school. And it's a winning formula,” Lorentz said, referring to Berube being a fan of his play style. “You look back at the winning teams over the past, you know, few seasons. You obviously have your skill guys that are gifted. And they can make all the plays. Those guys are going to be the other thing. But he wants big bodies and guys who can skate and stuff to create that energy. And kind of that's like the identity.”
“When you can come in and bang and skate and go to the net, and every once in a while bang one in like we did tonight, it's a lot of fun. And it's fun playing that way. You know, that's the kind of style that does well in the playoffs. If you want a long season, you guys are going to do that. So, our bottom six, we're happy to do stuff like that.”
Growing up a Leafs fan, Lorentz has embraced the opportunity to play in Toronto and solidified a bottom-six role, earning praise for his hard work and willingness to do the little things that often go unnoticed.
“Second and third effort guy, but he's smart, knows how to play the game the right way defensively, has a real good stick, and he's big and long, gets in the way. That's really what his game is,” Berube said about Lorentz last Thursday.
Should he maintain his level of play and barring any setbacks, a new deal could be on the table in 2025. While it’s early in the season, plenty of signs signal that the Leafs view Lorentz as a good addition going forward and beyond this season. So far, Lorentz has made the most of his opportunity.
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