Toronto Maple Leafs assistant GM Kyle Dubas had this to say in the article.
““On the ice, I saw last year a number of times as the year was winding down where teams in the American league would be targeting our skilled players and we’re a very young team, so to have Justin as a guy that can serve a presence and help out our young guys know how to go about their business on the ice is important,” said Dubas.” (Kyle the Reporter)
This addition is what it is: an AHL pickup to protect kids.