Insider Expects Maple Leafs To Sign Forward To A Contract Before Next Wednesday

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Tyler Ball
October 3, 2023 (8:30 PM)

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The NHL preseason is wrapping up which means that NHL teams are starting to set their final rosters. It also means that teams need to decide if they are going to sign players on a Player Tryout (PTO) to a full contract or let them go.

Maple Leafs Forward Shining In Preseason

The Toronto Maple Leafs preseason is winding down and one player who is on a PTO is impressing. Noah Gregor has had a great preseason and has shown the ability to play at the NHL level.

Noah Gregor and the Leafs with the answer

Noah Gregor is an easy lock on this team. Nice finish from Fraser Minten.

Gregor has impacted all areas of the game for the Maple Leafs when he has gotten in the lineup. His style of play is perfect for a bottom-six role with Toronto. He would need to be put on waivers to be sent down and with his strong play would likely be claimed.

This means that Gregor could see himself on the Maple Leafs' opening night roster. First, though he needs a permanent contract which is on the horizon according to one insider.

Insider Expects Gregor To Sign In Toronto

During a segment of the First Up show on TSN1050, the crew talked about Noah Gregor and his place in the Maple Leafs organization.

I would expect Noah Gregor, who's in camp on a tryout, to sign a contract before next Wednesday and start the year with the team. You know, Robertson doesn't need waivers, so he's someone who could be sent to the Marlies and then brought up easily at any point when they might need some reinforcements.

This is a piece of good news but also a bad news situation for the Maple Leafs. The good news is they found another forward who can play in their bottom six and bring a physical presence. The bad news is it's at the expense of one of the Maple Leafs' top prospects Nick Robertson.

Gregor will likely fit in better in the role and ice time he is asked to fill than Nick Robertson would. At the same time, Nick Robertson has more upside in the long run. A minor league stint for Robertson isn't the worst thing in the world but if he plays well they need to find a place for him in the NHL.

For now, it looks like Noah Gregor has potentially earned his NHL shot. He will likely be a depth forward who is in and out of the bottom six depending on individual and team performance. It will be interesting to see how well he does once the regular season starts and the games mean a bit more.