Maple Leafs PTO Options Shrink After Rangers Sign Free Agent
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According to the New York Post, the New York Rangers signed Conor Sheary to a PTO on Friday, which means if the Maple Leafs wanna add any free agents, they better start acting quickly.
With Brad Treliving trying to add a bit of offensive flair to his lineup, he may need to go the trade route considering the free agent pool has dropped dramatically since July 1.
Names like Jack Roslovic and Victor Olofsson still remain unsigned, however it won't be long until they are scooped up. But beyond them, one name who hadn't been really considered is Conor Sheary.
Rangers add two-time Cup winner Sheary to their roster
The former Penguins forward spent the last season with Syracuse of the AHL (Tampa Bay's affiliate) but can clearly offer something to the team, and is a two-time Cup winner to boot.
The move reunites him with former Pittsburgh head coach Mike Sulllivan, who was hired by the Rangers this year after being let go in favor of Dan Muse.
Sheary was placed on waivers by the Lightning on June 29th, for the purpose of contract termination, and couldn't find a spot on the roster; so it was seemingly a mutual split.
Why Conor Sheary and the Rangers make sense
With New York needing a bit of guidance, Sheary would be able to help them out there plus his familiarity with Sullivan's system will hopefully make a transition back to the NHL a bit more seamless.
Sheary, 33, has struggled over the last few seasons after being quite the reliable contributor for the Penguins. He only has 15 points in 62 games over the last two years but has still been a solid two-way player.
Plus, this is only a professional tryout, so there's no really commitment to keep him if they feel he can't offer something back at the NHL level, though a good preseason might give GM Chris Drury something to think about.
Sheary coming off the list means the free agent pool gets even thinner, and while there might be some more additions come mid-August; if Toronto wants to bring some more depth they need to get going.
Previously on HockeyPatrol
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JUILLET 25 | 768 ANSWERS Maple Leafs PTO Options Shrink After Rangers Sign Free Agent Do you think Toronto should have signed Conor Sheary? |
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