Confirmed with Link: Leafs sign Nick Abruzzese to a two-year ELC

[SprDaVE]

Contract starts now per the tweet, so he'll join the Leafs/Marlies for the season.

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[Morgs]

 

[Nylander88]

Likely a Marlies add. Don't see where he would take a spot right now on the big club. Definitely could be an opening next year though

 

[SeaOfBlue]

Likely a Marlies add. Don't see where he would take a spot right now on the big club. Definitely could be an opening next year though

Wayne's spot on the 4th line. Could also be an option on the 2nd line or possibly at 4C if Spezza needs a break.

 

[LeafSteel]

Just for funsies, let's make Paul Marner's head explode and ask to give him #16.....

Serious note, great to see him in the fold and getting a taste of NHL/AHL action.

Keeping him, Knies, our 1st, and Topi were my biggest concern going into the Trade Deadline. Glad he's still part of our pipeline.

I hate seeing our picks thrive somewhere else......

 

[CabanaBoy5]

Likely a Marlies add. Don't see where he would take a spot right now on the big club. Definitely could be an opening next year though

Good signing, good prospect. However, I'm waiting for the Frozen Four to be completed to we can sign Knies. I believe there's a spot for him on the big club at least for a few games.

 

[Tarmore]

I hate seeing our picks thrive somewhere else......

I don't mind if we got something good in return. In fact I cheer for our past picks and players we developed.

 

[Mickey Marner]

Good luck, kid.

 

[SprDaVE]

Likely a Marlies add. Don't see where he would take a spot right now on the big club. Definitely could be an opening next year though

He's joining the Leafs on Monday apparently and they have said they plan on giving him some games. But we'll see.

 

[Nylander88]

Good signing, good prospect. However, I'm waiting for the Frozen Four to be completed to we can sign Knies. I believe there's a spot for him on the big club at least for a few games.

Big body and throws his weight around. There would definitely be a spot to give him a look

 

[Nylanderthal]

Likely a Marlies add. Don't see where he would take a spot right now on the big club. Definitely could be an opening next year though

He’s definitely getting in at least a game this year to burn that ELC

 

[Nylander88]

Wayne's spot on the 4th line. Could also be an option on the 2nd line or possibly at 4C if Spezza needs a break.

I don't think we can afford to get softer

 

[Nylanderthal]

I don't think we can afford to get softer

They’ve actually been playing a lot more physical this last stretch and frankly being tough means squat if you’re consistently two seconds behind the play.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

I don't think we can afford to get softer

It is not like Simmonds brings toughness on a consistent basis anyways, and that is pretty much all he brings at this point.

Simmonds is not stopping Abruzzese (or anyone else who can make that 4th line better) from getting playing time.

 

[riffle]

Good signing, good prospect. However, I'm waiting for the Frozen Four to be completed to we can sign Knies. I believe there's a spot for him on the big club at least for a few games.

Knies might be available on Sunday. Gophers play Western Michigan at 4p, Eastern on Sunday.

 

[LeafalCrusader]

I don't think we can afford to get softer

User name checks out.

 

[stickty111]

Good to hear. Probably practice for a bit before playing.

 

[Canada4Gold]

Really excited for him. Was pumped for him after the missed year last year and he had a great season. Can’t wait to see how he performs at the next level

 

[riffle]

A guy like Abruzzese with elite playmaking skills doesn't seem like a great fit for a bottom 6 role on this team.

An elite playmaker needs to be with guys who can put it in the net.

Curious to see if they roll him out for his first game in Boston on JT's wing. That would be a very Leafs thing to do.

 

[Nylander88]

They’ve actually been playing a lot more physical this last stretch and frankly being tough means squat if you’re consistently two seconds behind the play.

Totally disagree. Liljegren would have gotten mugged had Simmonds not been there last game. You can't be 2 seconds behind in a scrum. And there is 100% the deterrent factor of having tough guys on your bench. I do however agree we've looked more engaged lately. Unfortunately tough guys that can keep pace cost you Tom Wilson/ Josh Anderson money

 

[crump]

Congrats to Nick. I have just seen video so I don't know much abut him. Pretty slick/smart apparently, good vision and a good playmaker in addition to a goal scorer? Some web sites have him as 5'9" 163 lbs, some have him as 5'10" 174 lbs...I imagine he grew since that first number.

Probably will be a winger in the bigs.

 

[Bellefour20]

This isn't someone who will be claimed off waivers is he?

31 GMs whenever they hear the Leafs have signed someone:

Dubas seems to either go Soo or educated

 

[zeke]

Hope for a Bozak here.

 

[Leaf Fans]

This isn't someone who will be claimed off waivers is he?

31 GMs whenever they hear the Leafs have signed someone:

Dubas seems to either go Soo or educated

No, he doesn't require waivers as he played in North America.

 

[aingefan]

Wayne's spot on the 4th line. Could also be an option on the 2nd line or possibly at 4C if Spezza needs a break.

I would guess that is part of the sell. Happy to have Nick in house, good college résumé, and did not look out of place at all in the Olympics.