The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired forward Vinni Lettieri, officially signing him to a one-year contract valued at $775,000. The team announced the agreement on Wednesday.
Lettieri, a 30-year-old player originally from Excelsior, Minnesota, has appeared in 155 career NHL games to date. Across those games, split between stints with the New York Rangers, Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild, and Boston Bruins, he has recorded a total of 32 points, consisting of 15 goals and 17 assists.
During the previous season with the Boston Bruins, Lettieri played in 26 games, contributing three goals and two assists. He also spent significant time in the American Hockey League with Boston`s affiliate in Providence, Rhode Island, where he was highly productive, scoring 50 points (21 goals and 29 assists) in 50 contests.
The signing follows a major transaction for the Maple Leafs. On Tuesday, ahead of the official opening of NHL free agency, the team completed a sign-and-trade deal that sent star winger Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights. This move came after Marner declined to sign a contract extension with Toronto.
As Toronto continues its efforts to bolster its offensive depth, especially after losing their leading scorer who put up 102 points last season, the trade with Vegas allowed them to acquire center Nicolas Roy, securing at least one significant asset in return for Marner.
In addition to Lettieri, the Maple Leafs were active on Tuesday, also adding forward Michael Pezzetta, alongside fellow forwards Travis Boyd and Benoit-Olivier Groulx, and defenseman Dakota Mermis to the roster.
Earlier, the team secured the future of forward Matthew Knies, signing him to a six-year contract extension worth $46.5 million before he was set to become a restricted free agent on Canada Day. Other forwards remaining with the team include John Tavares, under a four-year, $17.55 million deal, and Steven Lorentz, signed for three years at $4.05 million. Departures from the forward group include Pontus Holmberg, who has moved to the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Alex Steeves, who has joined the Boston Bruins.
