The Toronto Maple Leafs could use as much help as they can get on the blue line. The promised DNA change means adding players who could help shift the team’s perspective moving forward. One player that comes to mind is recently bought-out blue liner Marc-Edouard Vlasic.
While Vlasic may retire, he might also be willing to take one more kick at the NHL can. So, a team like the Maple Leafs could offer him one last shot at a Stanley Cup.
Vlasic was a mainstay for the San Jose Sharks for nearly two decades. The former second-round pick from the 2005 NHL Draft signed a massive eight-year contract worth $56 million in 2018. However, Vlasic’s performance dipped to the point where the Sharks moved on from him by buying out the final year of his contract.
He’s a free agent now and could be a decent addition to the Maple Leafs. The 38-year-old Vlasic is by no means an everyday defenseman at this point. If anything, he could be a decent seventh or eighth defenseman. He adds experience and leadership on and off the ice.
Bringing Vlasic into the fold is more than anything a depth move. The aim would be to bolster the Maple Leafs’ organizational depth with a player who could fill in emergencies. He could be on par with the recently acquired Henry Thrun.
In fact, the familiarity between Thrun and Vlasic could be an added bonus to the Maple Leafs’ overall blue line depth. However, Leafs’ fans shouldn’t expect Vlasic to become a world-beater. The club will be lucky if Vlasic can even make the team out of camp.
Maple Leafs Should Sign Vlasic to a PTO
The Toronto Maple Leafs should sign Vlasic to a Professional Tryout Contract (PTO) this offseason. While a rebuilding team like the Chicago Blackhawks or even the Pittsburgh Penguins may offer Vlasic a full-time NHL contract, Vlasic may be compelled to accept a PTO for a chance to play on a contending team.
That’s why the Maple Leafs could land Vlasic on a PTO. If he makes the team, the club can sign him to a league-minimum deal. Two offseasons ago, the Maple Leafs pulled off a similar move with Steven Lorentz. Lorentz made the team out of camp and had a strong year last season.
That situation could play out with Vlasic, as he could be eager to prove he’s still got what it takes to be an NHL player.
Toronto Loses Nothing by Giving Vlasic a Shot
The Maple Leafs lose nothing by giving Vlasic a shot. If anything, giving him an opportunity in training camp could open the door for another team to sign him. It’s a common situation for teams to snatch up other teams’ cuts.
So, there’s plenty of reason to assume that a good camp by Vlasic, even if he gets cut, could open the door for a full-time NHL contract with another team.
Ultimately, Vlasic would be betting on himself. If he has a strong camp, the Maple Leafs gain a capable depth defenseman. If he doesn’t, the two sides can part ways, allowing Vlasic to pursue other opportunities available to him.
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