The Toronto Maple Leafs signed a wave of players on Wednesday to kick off 2026 free agency, headlined by the likes of goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. Beyond that, they added a handful of bottom-six forwards, one of them being Teddy Blueger.

Blueger, 31, is a veteran of eight NHL seasons, beginning his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins and spending recent years with the Vancouver Canucks, with a stop in Vegas sandwiched in between. He was injured for a good portion of last season but finished the year with 17 points in 35 games. Speaking to reporters on Friday morning, he said that the opportunity to play in an Original Six market played a big role in his decision to sign with the Maple Leafs.

“Knowing Toronto, it seems to be the centre of the hockey world. Just being part of an original six team, I know that all the guys that I’m friends with have played there just say it’s a little bit different, carries a little bit more weight. Anytime you walk into the building, and you look up at the rafters at all the retired numbers, all the history, the weight of that. People know about how passionate the fans are and how much they care, and I think it’s great to be doing something that people care so much about.”

Another factor that played into Blueger’s decision is the opportunity to reunite with Vancouver Canucks teammate Dakota Joshua, whom he played on a line with for the better portion of his time with the Canucks.

“We had a good run, me, Dak [Joshua] and Conor Garland, a lot of fun playing with those guys,” Blueger said. “We had some success, obviously, that always helps, but I think the three of us complement each other pretty well. We brought out slightly different skillsets. I think the balance was there, as a line. Dak is a big, physical power forward, great down low, great in front of the net, he can score. So, he’s got a great skillset. I love playing with him and I’m obviously hoping to get that chance again.”

The Maple Leafs signed Blueger to a two-year contract worth $2.5 million annually on Wednesday.