Toronto Maple Leafs: The Benefit of Signing Veterans

There wasn’t much fanfare when Martin Marincin was re-signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Though he comes in at just a $700k cap hit, like most depth signings, that’s all he is– depth. Cody Ceci was also signed on a one year, $4.5 million today. Another replacement level player signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs, albeit much more expensive.

To be underwhelmed or disappointed in seeing both on the Leafs blue line this fall is fair. Travis Dermott is injured and won’t be back to start the season. Even when he does, it’ll likely take him a bit of time playing on the bottom defense pair for at least a little.

There’s another benefit to these signings however: Giving Rasmus Sandin and Timothy…