Report Suggests Maple Leafs May Extend Forward as Early as Wednesday

It had been a life-long dream of his to wear the Maple Leaf crest, so when 28-year-old Steven Lorentz was presented with a PTO opportunity, he jumped at the chance to compete for a job and wear the blue and white.

While it didn't guarantee anything, Lorentz quickly became a team, coach and fan favourite with his personality and relentless work ethic, which led to his one-year deal.

After just four games this season, Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos reported that the Leafs were impressed with him and were already discussing the potential framework of an extension internally.

On a fourth line that has seen constant turnover, Lorentz has been the only member to skate in every game for the Leafs this season, indicating that he has earned the trust of head coach Craig Berube.

The 6'4, 208-pound winger, who can also play center, brings a unique combination of speed and physicality and has become an integral part of the Leafs' penalty kill.

Tuesday saw Lorentz score a beauty of a game-winner against the New York Islanders, giving him 4 goals on the season and 7 points, quadrupling his goal output from last season in the same amount of games (38).

Following the Leafs' win over the Islanders, Kypreos mentioned that Lorentz is finally eligible to sign an extension on January 1st and that the Leafs will look to sign him fairly quickly.

While signing Lorentz to an extension might not be at the top of the list for some fans, the Leafs have had far too much turnover in the bottom-six over the past few seasons, and locking up the Kitchener, Ontario native would afford them some continuity moving forward.

As we ring in 2025, there are lots of questions surrounding the Leafs' roster in terms of extensions, trades and injuries, but one thing is certain; Lorentz has loved his time in Toronto and he wants to be Leaf well beyond this season. The Leafs might be wise to oblige him.