Maple Leafs PTO Target Slips Away, Signs with Western Conference Contender
Photo credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs missed out adding a physical force to a PTO this training camp as Nathan Bastian has decided to sign a one-year deal with the Dallas Stars.
With training camp only a few weeks away from kicking off, teams are looking to get things into motion and finalize their rosters ahead of the 2025-26 season.
The Maple Leafs are expected to make a move or two in the coming weeks and whether it be via the trade market or free agency, there are a few players who could come in and step up if the price is right.
Toronto Misses Out On Bargain Depth Piece
But they could also go the PTO route and sign some lesser names to audition for the team during training camp and potentially translate that to a deal much like Max Pacioretty and Steven Lorentz did last season.
One target was Nathan Bastian, who would have added even more physicality and grit to the lineup as Toronto continues to transform their offense. However, it seems they will need to shift gears if they wanted him.
It was announced on Saturday that the Dallas Stars had signed Bastian to a one-year deal.
Bastian, 27, had 10 points in 59 games for the New Jersey Devils last season, while also adding 27 blocks and 138 hits in only 10:56 TOI.
The signing seemed to irk the Devils fanbase as well, considering how beloved he was.
However some believe that Dallas paid too much and should have gone the PTO route if they wanted a look at him.
Bastian wouldn't have done much for Toronto but add more physicality and depth, but you can never have too many bodies; especially for an injury prone team like the Leafs.
For Dallas, they will continue to add to their roster however it's a bit surprising they are so committed to paying Bastian up front considering Jason Robertson needs a new deal.
But for now, it looks like Dallas' gain is Toronto's loss, which seems to be the soundtrack to the offseason thus far.
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