The Toronto Maple Leafs could be adding another name before training camp opens in a few weeks.
General manager John Chayka hasn't been shy about reshaping this roster all summer, and there's a real sense he isn't finished yet.
Andre Leal of The Hockey News floated three unrestricted free agents who make sense for Toronto on a professional tryout basis.
Blankenburg tops that list. He's undrafted, undersized at 5-foot-9 and 177 pounds, but plays a gritty, physical game while still moving pucks effectively.
He logged over 19 minutes a night for Nashville in 2024-25, then split last season between Colorado and Nashville.
That fits directly into what Chayka's already building. Toronto added Darren Raddysh and Emil Andrae this summer, with Raddysh posting 70 points and Andrae adding 13.
Blankenburg would be a low-cost way to keep pushing that mobility-first identity on the back end without any real financial risk.
Why Curtis Lazar might be the most logical name of the three
Adam Boqvist is the second name, and the risk there is obvious given his history. The 2018 eighth overall pick has topped 40 games only three times in eight NHL seasons.
Limited expectations make sense for Boqvist, but he'd still cost Toronto nothing more than a camp invite if it doesn't work out.
Curtis Lazar rounds out the list, and he addresses a real need. Teddy Blueger played just 35 games last season due to injury setbacks.
Blueger still managed 17 points in those 35 games, proof of what Toronto loses if he misses time again this year.
Steven Lorentz offers some bottom-six insurance already, posting 18 points in 71 games, but Lazar would give Toronto real depth if injuries hit again.
Names are already coming off the board around the league this week as camps approach, and Toronto figures to be active in the mix.
Whichever names actually show up in Leafs camp, don't be surprised if this roster looks a little different by the time the puck actually drops.
Which PTO candidate should the Leafs prioritize signing?
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