Leafs sign Mike Santorelli

Continuing with the theme of depth signings, the Leafs added center Mike Santorelli today with a 1-year contract worth $1.5 million. 

Santorelli most recently played for the Canucks this past season, racking up 28 points in 49 games. Before that, he was a member of the Jets, Panthers, and Preds. He actually put up 20 goals and 21 assists in a full season with Florida in 2011, which I was totally unaware of until about 45 seconds ago.

Santorelli slots in to the Leafs’ bottom six and will battle with Holland and newly-signed Kontiola for minutes in the middle. Likely one of these three guys will move to the wing, barring another move by Nonis this summer.

This move also puts an end to the pursuit of David Legwand, and at probably less than half the price and term, leaving the Leafs with more space as they try to figure things out with Reimer, Franson, and Gardiner. 

Obviously I like the move. It’s cheap, doesn’t present any risk, and after the disaster that was last summer, any signing that doesn’t crush the team’s future for half a decade down the road is welcomed. 

Morgan Rielly seems alright with it.