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Instant Reaction: Maple Leafs add versatility to bottom-six group in Teddy Blueger signing
Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Jul 1, 2026, 15:05 EDTUpdated: Jul 1, 2026, 15:03 EDT
It’s been an exceptionally busy day for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who signed Teddy Blueger to a two-year contract worth $2.5 million annually. Blueger will round out Toronto’s revamped forward corps, where he’s expected to be used in a bottom-six role.
The 31-year-old is capable of playing either centre or wing, and his positional versatility lends itself well, as the Maple Leafs look to get more consistent scoring out of its depth forwards. Blueger could potentially slot in as Toronto’s fourth line centre, or get pushed to the wings, while competing against Dakota Joshua, Steven Lorentz, Bo Groulx and a handful of others for a roster spot. He is coming off a season where he recorded nine goals and 17 points in 35 games with the Vancouver Canucks.
Toronto added Colton Sissons on Wednesday, who will also compete for a fourth-line role. It’s possible that Sissons will be bumped up to the third-line centre role, after the Maple Leafs paid him $4.25 million annually for the next two seasons. Toronto also added Jack Roslovic, a speedy winger who can score 20 goals per year, capable of playing centre as well. It’s more than likely that Roslovic will get stapled to a right-wing spot, given his defensive inattention.
Although the Maple Leafs have primarily focused on adding depth forwards, it also made a massive signing in goal. Sergei Bobrovsky is joining the Maple Leafs on a three-year deal worth $7 million annually. There are some concerns about Bobrovksy’s form after a porous 2025-26 campaign, but the future Hall of Fame goaltender is durable, elevates his game in the playoffs, and will serve as a ready-made mentor for Artur Akhtyamov and Dennis Hildeby.
Toronto is armed with $3 million in cap space after the July 1 signings via PuckPedia, with avenues to create more room. Morgan Rielly remains on the trade block, while the Maple Leafs could still pursue a trade for Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski, a possibility that doesn’t seem imminent after his latest meeting with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
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