Maple Leafs sign free agent Nick Blankenburg.

The Toronto Maple Leafs did some major offseason surgery on their blue line as both general manager John Chayka and senior advisor Mats Sundin both made an immediate mark after taking over the franchise.

On Saturday that surgery continued when the Maple Leafs signed yet another defenseman, this time former Colorado Avalanche defenseman Nick Blankenburg. This is a no-risk signing on the part of the Maple Leafs with Blankenburg agreeing to a professional tryout offer, meaning the Leafs could cut him at any time during training camp.

Last season Blankenburg played 61 combined games between the Nashville Predators and Colorado Avalanche, scoring 8 goals and adding 16 assists over that stretch of play.

Blankenberg had arguably the best showing of his NHL career over his two seasons with the Predators and, although he didn't have the same success with the Avalanche, he stands a good chance of earning a spot on the Maple Leafs roster. Blankenberg will likely be fighting for a 3rd pairing role or even perhaps simply a depth role on the Maple Leafs roster and isn't likely going to cost a great deal if the Maple Leafs do sign him to a contact.

The big knock against Blankenberg throughout his NHL career has been an inability to remain healthy, but the Maple Leafs will get to try before they buy with a PTO.