The Toronto Maple Leafs have finalized a one-year contract with depth forward Vinni Lettieri, valued at $775,000.
Lettieri, a 30-year-old native of Excelsior, Minnesota, has accumulated 32 points, consisting of 15 goals and 17 assists, over 155 career games in the NHL. His time in the league includes stints with the New York Rangers, Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild, and Boston Bruins.
Last season, he appeared in 26 games for the Boston Bruins, contributing three goals and two assists. Additionally, he was a productive player for their American Hockey League affiliate in Providence, Rhode Island, where he registered 50 points (21 goals, 29 assists) in 50 contests.
This transaction comes in the wake of significant moves by the Maple Leafs, notably the recent trade of star winger Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights. Marner`s departure occurred via a sign-and-trade agreement after he chose not to sign an extension, leaving Toronto seeking offensive support.
As part of the deal that sent Marner, the team`s leading scorer with 102 points, to Las Vegas, Toronto acquired center Nicolas Roy.
In addition to Lettieri, the Maple Leafs have been active in bolstering their roster, also signing forwards Michael Pezzetta, Travis Boyd, and Benoit-Olivier Groulx, as well as defenseman Dakota Mermis, in recent days.
Prior to the opening of free agency, key forwards were retained or extended, including Matthew Knies on a six-year deal, John Tavares for four years, and Steven Lorentz for three years. Meanwhile, forwards Pontus Holmberg and Alex Steeves have moved on to other organizations.