In a surprising turn of events, Connor Dewar has officially put pen to paper on a new contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. This lucrative deal will see him pocket a handsome $1.18 million for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Dewar was one of the select few – only 14 players in the league to be exact – who filed for arbitration. The tension was palpable as the arbitration date loomed closer, but to the relief of many, an agreement was reached before things could get messy.
The Maple Leafs had their hands full this summer, dealing with a total of four RFAs. Each player had their own unique situation to navigate. Timothy Liljegren, for instance, inked a new contract that will keep him in the blue and white for another two years at $3 million AAV. However, whispers of a possible trade involving Liljegren have been making the rounds in hockey circles. As for young gun Nick Robertson, the 22-year-old forward made a bold move by requesting a trade out of the hockey-crazed city of Toronto. Despite his plea, General Manager Brad Treliving seems hesitant to grant Robertson’s wish.
The last piece of the puzzle was Noah Gregor, whose fate with the Maple Leafs was ultimately sealed when the decision was made to set him free. Much to the surprise of many, Gregor found a new home with none other than the Ottawa Senators, adding another layer of intrigue to the rivalry between the two provincial teams.
When it comes to Dewar, he may not be the flashiest player on the ice, but his value lies in his versatility and work ethic. A reliable presence, Dewar can often be seen grinding along the boards and making smart plays in both the offensive and defensive zones. His ability to cycle the puck and create opportunities for his teammates makes him a valuable asset, especially when the stakes are high.
On the defensive side of things, Dewar is a true warrior. Ranking among the top shot blockers on the team, Dewar’s commitment to shutting down opposing offenses is commendable. With a knack for disrupting plays and making life difficult for the opposition, Dewar is a force to be reckoned with, particularly when the Maple Leafs are tasked with killing penalties.
With the departure of Tyler Bertuzzi to the Chicago Blackhawks via free agency, the left side of Toronto’s lineup may be a bit depleted. This opens up a window of opportunity for Dewar to step up and showcase his skills under the watchful eye of new head coach Craig Berube. As the Leafs gear up for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Dewar to see how he rises to the occasion and helps propel the team to new heights.
In the fast-paced world of hockey, every decision and move can have a ripple effect that shapes the course of a team’s season. With Dewar locked in and ready to make his mark, the Maple Leafs are poised for an exciting journey ahead. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds and the puck drops on another thrilling season of NHL action.
(Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports)
