Leafs place veteran NHL forward on waivers today

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been one of the busiest teams in the NHL this offseason, bringing in a new general manager, a new head coach, and a wave of roster additions that have completely reshaped the look of this team heading into 2026-27. From landing Gavin McKenna first overall to adding the likes of Jack Roslovic, Darren Raddysh, and Sergei Bobrovsky, there's been no shortage of excitement in Toronto. But with all that new talent comes the harsh reality that not everyone can stick around, and on Thursday, one familiar face found himself on the outside looking in.

A Tough Numbers Game for Lorentz

The Maple Leafs confirmed on Thursday that forward Steven Lorentz has been placed on waivers. The 30-year-old Kitchener, Ontario native still has a year remaining on his deal at a $1.35 million cap hit, and the move comes as Toronto sits roughly $2.8 million over the salary cap with the regular season opener against Montreal just days away.

Lorentz originally arrived in Toronto on a professional tryout ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, and he impressed enough to earn a three-year extension in June 2025. Over the past two seasons, he suited up in 151 games for the Leafs, contributing seven goals and 18 points in 71 games during the 2025-26 season. His speed and physical edge were seen as valuable assets for the bottom six, and after GM John Chayka spent the summer preaching a need for speed in his roster overhaul, it seemed like Lorentz would fit right into the new blueprint.

But the influx of new bodies simply made the math impossible. With the team looking to slot Teddy Blueger, Brandon Duhaime, and Colton Sissons into depth roles, there just wasn't a chair left for Lorentz when the music stopped. It's a tough break for a guy who clearly bought into the culture, telling reporters earlier this week that he took advice from his Carolina days under Rod Brind'Amour to heart, never assuming a roster spot was guaranteed regardless of what your contract says.

What's Next for Toronto

Lorentz isn't the only player the Leafs have put on waivers this week. Defensemen Dakota Mermis and Cole McWard were also waived on Wednesday. If all three go unclaimed, they'll report to the AHL's Toronto Marlies. For Lorentz specifically, there's a decent chance another NHL club takes a flyer on a player with his skating ability and Stanley Cup-winning experience at a relatively modest cap number.

Meanwhile, the Leafs have some injury concerns to monitor heading into the opener. Head coach Jim Hiller indicated this week that winger Dakota Joshua is likely to miss the start of the season due to a core muscle issue. Additionally, newly acquired forward Nick Paul, who came over from Tampa Bay in exchange for goalie Dennis Hildeby and a pair of draft picks, is also questionable for the first game.

Those absences could make the Lorentz waiver move look a bit curious in the short term, but the organization clearly has its eyes on the bigger picture. After a brutal 2025-26 season that saw the team sink low enough to win lottery luck for McKenna, there's a renewed sense of optimism in Toronto. With a strong mix of youth and veteran additions, the Leafs believe they have the roster to compete for a playoff spot in what remains the toughest division in the league. Whether they can stay healthy enough to make that happen is another story entirely.