Why the Maple Leafs should bring back Steven Lorentz

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving will have roughly $26 million in cap space to work with this offseason, and a small portion of his spending should be invested in re-signing bottom-six forward Steven Lorentz to a multi-year contract extension.

The 29-year-old had a strong first season with the Maple Leeafs, turning a professional tryout agreement into a one-year contract. Lorentz averaged 10:33 of ice-time per game under head coach Craig Berube, and became a staple on the Leafs’ fourth line, while also solidifying a role as a depth penalty killer.

At 6-foot-4, Lorentz brings an element of size, speed, and smarts to the Leafs lineup. He finished the year with 199 hits, good for second on the team behind defenceman Simon Benoit. It’s his playing style that’s leading the way as a perfect example of why Treliving should be circling back before Lorentz hits the open market on July 1. Lorentz’s tool kit is different than many other forwards among Berube’s lineup. He’s among the biggest bodies on the team, he hits everything that moves, and maybe most importantly, he understands his role within the Maple Leafs’ lineup. Lorentz won’t try to do too much, he stays within himself, and looking ahead to next season, should be brought back to suit up on Toronto’s fourth line.

Lorentz won’t cost a ton to re-sign. Something around a three-year extension at roughly $1.5 million AAV should be able to get the job done. He’s valuable as a checking forward, but his finishing ability shouldn’t go unnoticed. Lorentz finished the year with eight goals in 80 games in blue and white, including an impressive five game winners. Double digit goals is certainly not out of the question next year, which is important, because at times, the Leafs were searching for secondary scoring help behind their top-six forwards.

When it comes to the offseason outlook for Treliving and the Maple Leafs, Toronto’s GM would like to ‘change the DNA’ of the team. This can still be accomplished with certain pending free agents returning to Toronto, and this should include Lorentz. He’s now familiar with Berube’s style of play, his game fits with what the Leafs would like to accomplish next season, and his willingness to do whatever it takes for his hometown team should not go unwarranted. Lorentz is living out his dream playing for the Maple Leafs, and his ability to sacrifice, his strong work ethic, and his aggressive forechecking ability is something Berube needs more of heading into next season.

Heading into free agency, Treliving should be prioritizing Matthew Knies’ contract extension, however, within his top-five priorities should be to keep Lorentz in Toronto. He’s a low-cost option, and Lorentz’s understanding of what he brings to the table may be the most important aspect when considering a contract extension. Familiarity always goes a long way in the NHL. There’s also the fact he’s versatile to play down the middle in a pinch, or on either wing, and if Treliving is able to shake up the fourth line around Lorentz, it could truly help propel the bottom-six identity that Berube craves heading into next season.

The Maple Leafs surely need to make changes to the core of their roster this offseason, and with Marner all but gone, that’s going to happen. However, when it comes to pending Leaf free agents who should be returning to the mix for next season, Knies is first, John Tavares is second, and Lorentz should slot into the third spot of importance.