Toronto, ON). The Toronto Wolfpack have signed four free agents to the Wolfpack squad to three year contracts. In total, Toronto adds over $4m in payroll for the next 3 years. This represents a modest investment for the team as the league averaged adding nearly $7m per team.
The top catch for the team is offensive forward Steve Sullivan. Sullivan was originally selected by Toronto in the 1999 expansion draft and comes full circle with this signing. Coming back from serious back surgery, Sullivan proved that he is once again a top 6 forward that will add to the overall scoring depth of the Wolfpack. He is projected to play on the 3rd or 2nd line depending on possible chemistry with center's Kyle Wellwood and David Krejci.
In addition to forward help, Toronto signed veteran puck moving defensemen Mathieu Schneider and Randy Jones. Schneider is projected to break the top 6 and offer a powerplay presence. Jones is projected as a long term depth signing.
Finally, Vesa Toskala was signed to compete with Marty Turco for the backup goaltending position. Although the past few years have not been statistically outstanding for Vesa, he is a solid hard working goalie that will keep the competition tight in camp.
Toronto plays their first pre-season game Monday versus division rival Montreal. Should be interesting matchup as Montreal drafted starting goalie Steve Mason 2nd overall in the recent entry draft and projects as a top netminder in the league. Similar to Toronto with Pekka Rinne, Montreal will be handing the goaltending reigns to a rookie netminder to start the season.
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