The Toronto Maple Leafs announced this afternoon that they have signed RFA defenceman Travis Dermott to a one-year deal—apparently based on his qualifying offer. While that offer expired, it’s possible Toronto extended it, or the two sides just came to an agreement on the same terms.

Dermott has intrigued Leafs fans for years with his impressive results on a third pairing, while only rarely getting work higher up the lineup, partly due to his shooting left. He’s aggressive, mobile, and keeps tight gaps, all things that suit the modern game, and he’ll be 24 in December. Kyle Dubas indicated he expects to see Dermott on the right more often this season, so stay tuned; Dermott returns to a crowded Leafs defence group, which could see some combination of Justin Holl, Mikko Lehtonen, Zach Bogosian, Rasmus Sandin, Timothy Liljegren and Dermott jockeying for ice-time.

The deal is obviously very affordable, and the Leafs should be comfortable fitting a 21-man roster of their choosing this season. RFA Joey Anderson is Toronto’s only remaining RFA, and should pose no problem cost-wise.

Welcome back, Travis!

Free Agents and Contracts