The Leafs sign Zach Bogosian to a 1-year, $1 million contract

Hours after Kyle Dubas said he was looking to add physicality on the blueline, he did just that by signing a recent Stanley Cup champion.

According to the Leafs, the deal has an average annual value of $1 million for the 2020-21 season.

Zach Bogosian brings a much-needed element to the Leafs blueline, which is a physical edge and a mean playstyle. The right-shot defenceman will likely split time between the third pairing and the press box but should fit in nicely into the Leafs lockerroom.

Starting the year with the Buffalo Sabres before getting bought out and signing with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Bogosian recorded one goal, six assists, and seven points in 27 games played. He made his debut appearance in the Stanley Cup playoffs this summer and potted in four points to help the Lightning capture their second Cup in franchise history.

A veteran defenceman who signed with the Leafs after winning a Cup during his first appearance in the postseason. Why does that sound so familiar?

The Leafs didn’t bring in Bogosian to rack up points (those days are long behind him). Instead, he was brought in to bring snarl to the defensive unit and give Toronto a useful option come playoff time.

Though his cap hit is super reasonable, there will likely be another trade coming to fit his deal snuggly. Earlier today, the Leafs dealt Andreas Johnsson to the New Jersey Devils in a cap dump that netted them Joey Anderson.