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:
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.
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.
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 | ||
12 SEPTEMBRE | 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 % |
| List of polls | ||
