Maple Leafs Officially Sign Veteran Forward to Boost Lineup Depth

Although the team hasn't made a huge splash yet, and most likely won't when it comes to free agency, the Toronto Maple Leafs are still making several depth signings to fill out some of their departing AHL talents and bring in some insurance.

They signed a trio of new faces on the first day of free agency as well as re-signing Dakota Mermis. But they also decided to add even more depth up front, with the signing of forward Vinni Lettieri.

The deal is for one-year at the league minimum of $775,000.

Lettieri, 30, spent the 2024-25 season between the Boston Bruins, and their AHL affiliate, Providence. He recorded five points in 26 games for the Bruins last year (3G, 2A) but had 50 points with Providence; so the offense is there.

He's skated in 155 games for his career, with 32 points (15G, 17A) and spent time with New York, Anaheim, Boston, and Minnesota.

Lettieri isn't afraid to get into the dirtier areas of the game either, and is a respectable defensive presence on the ice, and will only improve with Toronto's coaching staff.

He joins the likes of Travis Boyd, Olivier Benoit-Groulx, and Michael Pezzetta as depth signings for Brad Treliving, as he's clearly focused on adding grittier and more physical players this summer.

While no-one expects Lettieri to be a presence for the Maple Leafs this season, there is a good chance he gets a call-up opportunity if the team is struggling with injuries, or if Lettieri is tearing it up with the Marlies.

The team saw the loss of Alex Steeves and Nick Abruzzese to free agency, and lost Pontus Holmberg as well; so getting more depth and adding as many cheap bodies as possible is a great way to find a diamond in the rough, while also playing it safe.

Welcome to Toronto, Vinni, it's your time to shine.