TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs added a fresh piece to their forward puzzle this morning, announcing the signing of veteran depth forward Vinni Lettieri to a one-year contract. The deal, which carries a modest $925,000 cap hit, signals a move of calculated insurance by Leafs general manager Brad Treliving as the team prepares for another all-in run in the 2025-26 NHL season.
Lettieri, 30, brings experience, tenacity, and a responsible two-way game to a team that has consistently struggled with depth scoring and lineup flexibility in recent postseasons. With over 100 NHL games under his belt and a proven track record in the AHL, Lettieri will slot into a role that could see him rotating between the fourth line and injury call-up duties — exactly the kind of tactical versatility Toronto has lacked in recent years.
“Vinni is a competitor,” said Treliving in a statement released shortly after the signing. “He’s a guy who never takes a shift off, and that’s the kind of work ethic we want throughout our lineup. Whether he’s starting with the Marlies or cracking the Leafs roster out of camp, he makes us deeper and more resilient.”
Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Rangers in 2017, Lettieri has since made stops with the Ducks, Bruins, and Wild organizations. Known for his high motor and ability to chip in timely offense, he has become a go-to call-up player wherever he’s gone. Last season with the Iowa Wild in the AHL, Lettieri posted 46 points in 58 games, including 19 goals, earning praise for his leadership and consistency.
While Lettieri’s signing won’t generate the headlines of a blockbuster trade or high-profile free agent addition, make no mistake — it’s the kind of move that could pay huge dividends when injuries inevitably strike during the grind of the NHL season.
Toronto has suffered from a lack of plug-and-play depth options in recent playoff years. When injuries to top-six forwards derailed their momentum, the team scrambled to fill roles with unproven talent or players out of position. Lettieri, who can play both wing and center, adds a safety net that could stabilize the bottom six and bolster Toronto’s ability to adapt.
“He’s not just here to be a passenger,” said Leafs head coach Craig Berube. “He’s here to compete for a job. And from what I’ve seen on tape and heard from our scouts, he’s got the fire to make an impact.”
It’s another quietly savvy move by Treliving, who has made it clear that Toronto’s window to win is now — and that depth matters just as much as star power.
With a full training camp ahead and a roster still in flux, Lettieri will have a real shot to prove he belongs in the lineup when the puck drops in October. And if history has shown anything, it’s that guys like him often end up making the biggest plays when it matters most.