The Toronto Maple Leafs have added another depth player via NHL free agency.
The Maple Leafs have signed Vinni Lettieri to a one-year, $775,000 contract. The 30-year-old right-shot forward spent all of last season in the Boston Bruins organization. Lettieri appeared in 26 games with the Bruins, scoring three goals and two assists, and 47 games with the AHL's Providence Bruins, where he put up 21 goals and 29 assists for 50 points in 47 games.
As an undrafted forward out of the University of Minnesota, Lettieri signed an entry-level contract with the New York Rangers in 2017. After three years in the organization, the Excelsior, Minnesota native played two seasons in the Anaheim Ducks' system (2020-2022).
He signed a one-year contract with the Bruins in 2022, spent most of the season in Providence, and joined the Minnesota Wild on a one-year contract in 2023. Lettieri played a career-high 46 NHL games with the Wild and scored nine points (five goals and four assists).
Why the Maple Leafs Are Expected to Target Top-Six Forward Help Through Trades, Not Free AgencyThe Toronto Maple Leafs have a Mitch Marner-sized hole in their lineup opted for a sign and trade with the Vegas Golden Knights. But when the clock struck noon for the opening of free agency, the Leafs were quiet.
In 155 NHL games, Lettieri has 15 goals and 17 assists for 32 points, plus 287 points (141 goals and 146 assists) in 324 career AHL games.
This is the fifth depth signing Toronto has made over the last 24 hours after losing the likes of Pontus Holmberg, Alex Steeves, Alex Nylander, and Nick Abruzzese to free agency. The Maple Leafs signed Michael Pezzetta and Benoit-Olivier Groulx, along with defenseman Dakota Mermis, to two-year deals with an annual average value of $812,500.
Toronto also added former Maple Leaf Travis Boyd on a one-year, $775,000 contract.
'We Wanted To Get Through The First Part Of Free Agency': Maple Leafs Not Closing The Door On Max Pacioretty ReturnEven after a quiet free agency, the Toronto Maple Leafs aren't closing the door on bringing Max Pacioretty back.
According to PuckPedia, on a 23-man roster, the Maple Leafs now have just shy of $5 million to play with for the remainder of the offseason.
(Top photo of Lettieri: Timothy T. Ludwig / Imagn Images)