Noah Gregor reveals why he chose Toronto, believes he can add a lot to the Leafs' lineup
We are officially just days away from NHL training camps kicking off with physicals this weekend. Before long, hockey will be back in full force and after what felt like an extra-long summer, I truly cannot wait.
The Maple Leafs did not move a member of the core this summer after another disappointing early exit in round 2 of the playoffs, but they have undergone a pretty significant transformation this summer, watching several players walk in free agency and some pretty intriguing players coming in.
To this point, the Leafs have only offered one single professional tryout agreement, to Noah Gregor, who spent last season with the San Jose Sharks. Gregor recently revealed that he had been in talks with the Leafs since the very beginning of free agency. He didn't sign a contract then, but he hopes to win a spot in camp and a contract with the team over the next few weeks.
Gregor likes his chances of earning a contract in Toronto, largely because he feels that he adds something that their lineup lacks in the bottom six. Here's what he had to say about coming in on a PTO and having to impress to secure a deal:
"To be honest, that's kind of been my thought process my past three or four camps, is to just come in and try and earn a roster spot. I've never really been in a position where I have a solidified spot. Maybe last year a little bit, I was in a better situation. But, I've always tried to come into camp and show the staff and the coaches that I can be an important player and a solid piece. I think I can help Toronto's lineup here. I think I bring a different element to the bottom-six forward group and hopefully I can come in and make an impression."
In terms of why Gregor chose to circle back to Toronto and sign a PTO with the Leafs, if he does make the team, he likes the idea that his family won't have to travel too far to attend games. Gregor and his family hail from Beaumont, Alberta.
"It's going to be different for sure. Just the attention that Toronto gets is going to be different. I'm really excited for it. It's good to be back in Canada, where I'm from. My family's all excited, that if I do make the team, that it'll be a short flight for them and they don't have to travel across the border.
Travel logistics weren't the only reason why Gregor opted to ink his PTO in Toronto. He views the team as one of the league's most outstanding teams. He admitted to watching them from afar for a number of years. If he can earn himself a contract, he believes he'll be a good fit for the Leafs and would be elated to have the opportunity to pursue a Stanley Cup.
"I'm really excited. Toronto's always an exciting team to watch as well. They're one of the teams that I have followed quite a bit, just with all their top players and they're a really exciting team to watch. That was another reason why I chose to come on a PTO with Toronto, just they're a really good team, they're a really fun team to watch. I think my game should fit in well with them."
Fingers crossed that things work out for the 25-year-old in camp. He had also previously stated that he had discussions with Brad Treliving and Sheldon Keefe, and that those talk had gone well, so perhaps he already has the inside track to a roster spot. We'll have to wait and see.
POLL |
SEPTEMBRE 12 | 121 ANSWERS Noah Gregor reveals why he chose Toronto, believes he can add a lot to the Leafs' lineup What will the result of Noah Gregor's PTO in Toronto be? |
NHL contract with the Leafs | 62 | 51.2 % |
NHL contract with another team | 5 | 4.1 % |
AHL contract with the Marlies | 51 | 42.1 % |
AHL contract with another team | 3 | 2.5 % |
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