It has been a busy couple of weeks in the city of Toronto as the Maple Leafs have completely turned over their roster for the coming season. 

After taking a step back last season, the team was armed with a lot of cap space and some huge holes to fill.  The team signed forwards Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Thomas Vanek and goaltender Al Montoya.  The team also signedminor league defenceman Keith Aulie for the Marlies. 

"I don't believe in tanking, particularly now with the top 3 picks all determined by the lottery so we decided we'd try to field a competitive roster and go from there," said GM Garrett Hansford.  "The ability to bring in 3 veteran top 6 forwards provides short term stability and allows us to not rush any of our younger players into the lineup."

Hansford was asked about the contracts that were handed to players certainly in the twilight of their careers.

"Some might not agree with the terms we handed but we have zero concerns.  We're still in the process of re-stocking our system but we want to be competitive.  We always have the ability to make moves down the line, and with the ability to retain salary we may have options down the line with many of these players."

In addition to the free agent signings, the team traded D Erik Gudbranson, goalie Kari Lehtonen and a 2018 4th round pick to the Flames for F Derick Brassard, goalie Calvin Pickard and a 2018 6th round pick. 

"We have good depth in our defence and our forwards needed the most work.  Kari was a pending free agent so we get younger with Calvin.   We're quite happy with the deal," said Hansford.

It's expected Toronto's like up is expected to look something like this:

Patrick Marleau Kyle Turris Elias Lindholm

Brendan Perlini (Rookie) Joe Thornton Thomas Vanek

Melker Karlsson Derick Brassard Drake Caggiula (Rookie)

Miles Wood Gemel Smith (Rookie) Cedric Paquette

Extras: Matt Martin JT Brown

 

Drew Doughty Marc Edouard Vlasic

Morgan Rielly Karl Alzner

Esa Lindell Brandon Davidson

 

Cory Schneider

Calvin Pickard

Al Montoya

Next up for management is finding a head coach for the Maple Leafs and Marlies.  

"We'll be making an announcement there in due time," said Hansford.  "Claude Julien has been with us for several seasons and wanted the ability to see what the market holds and we respect his decision."

One big consideration for all teams in the BRHL2 is expansion next off-season which may have played a role in some of the moves. 

"Expansion has to be a consideration for all moves right now," said GM Garrett Hansford.   "We have some good depth on the blue line but can only protect 4 players so we knew we'd be looking to make a change or 2 prior to next off-season.  We had some holes up front which allowed us to add some forwards with term."

Reports indicate Toronto is still shopping a few players including recently acquired goalie Calvin Pickard, goalie Dustin Tokarski,  RFA forward Matt Martin as well as JT Brown, Jordan Nolan, Dmitrj Jaskin, Andrej Nestrasil and Josh Jooris.