Done Deal: Toronto Maple Leafs Officially Announce the Addition of 6 Experienced Top Star Players to AHL Contracts…

The Toronto Maple Leafs have made several key roster moves, including re-signing forward Nick Robertson to a one-year, $875,000 contract. Robertson had reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with his limited playing time and requested a trade, but after discussions with new head coach Craig Berube, he opted to stay with the Leafs for another season.

In other news, the Leafs have signed veteran forward Max Pacioretty to a professional tryout (PTO). Speculation is growing that Toronto may look to create cap space to offer Pacioretty a one-year deal. The Leafs also officially signed defenseman Jani Hakanpää to a one-year, $1.47 million deal, pending medical clearance due to a previous knee issue.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Marlies, the AHL affiliate of the Maple Leafs, have also been busy with signings. On September 11th, the Marlies re-signed five players: forwards Robert Mastrosimone and Zach Solow, and defensemen Tommy Miller and Matteo Pietroniro, all to one-year AHL contracts. Additionally, defenseman Ryan McCleary was signed to a one-year AHL deal. A day later, veteran forward Joseph Blandisi re-signed with the Marlies for another year.

These six signings are expected to strengthen the Marlies’ lineup and help the team improve on last season’s performance. Here’s a closer look at the new additions:

Robert Mastrosimone

• Age: 23
• Stats: 4 goals, 11 assists (15 points) in 45 games with the Marlies last season.
• Background: A second-round pick (54th overall) by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2019 NHL Draft, Mastrosimone has NCAA experience with Arizona State and Boston University, where he recorded 32 goals and 60 assists across 121 games.

Zach Solow

• Age: 25
• Stats: 11 goals, 15 assists (26 points) in 66 games with the Marlies last season.
• Background: A key contributor to the Florida Everblades’ 2022 Kelly Cup win, Solow has shown a knack for scoring, especially in clutch moments.

Tommy Miller

• Age: 25
• Stats: 1 goal, 4 assists in 44 games with the Marlies last season.
• Background: The defenseman split his 2022-23 season between the Marlies and the ECHL’s Newfoundland Growlers, contributing offensively in both the regular season and playoffs.

Matteo Pietroniro

• Age: 25
• Stats: 2 goals, 7 assists in 41 games with the Marlies last season.
• Background: A steady defensive presence, Pietroniro has spent time with both the Marlies and the Growlers, and will look to build on his solid two-way play this year.

Ryan McCleary

• Age: 21
• Stats: 25 assists, 36 points in 56 games with the Swift Current Broncos (WHL) last season.
• Background: Drafted in the seventh round (194th overall) by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2021, McCleary is a promising young defenseman with offensive upside.

Joseph Blandisi

• Age: 30
• Stats: 25 goals, 34 assists (59 points) in 70 games with the Marlies last season.
• Background: Blandisi led the Marlies in scoring and was 15th overall in AHL points last season. With 101 NHL games under his belt, he brings veteran leadership and offensive firepower to the Marlies.

These signings position the Marlies to make a strong push this season, with a mix of young talent and experienced veterans ready to contribute.