Toronto Maple Leafs
· 2026-07-14
The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed forward Ryan Tverberg to a one-year extension, carrying a cap hit of $850,000. Tverberg, 24, was selected in the seventh round (213th overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft by the Maple Leafs.
Tverberg enjoyed the most productive season of his pro career last season, registering 15 goals and 21 assists for 36 points in 63 games with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. He carried that production momentum into the playoffs, scoring 14 points (six goals and eight assists) in 24 games and helping Toronto win the 2026 Calder Cup.
Tverberg's strong regular season earned him a two-game stint with the Maple Leafs to end the 2025-26 NHL regular season in Toronto. He went scoreless and registered two penalty minutes, while earning a +1 rating. His play in the second half of last season and a strong playoff performance with the Marlies are why Tverberg is receiving this extension.
Tverberg likely won't be on the Maple Leafs' opening night roster to start the 2026-27 season. However, he should be high up the list of call-up candidates to fill the void in the event of injuries to the main roster. I still expect him to compete hard for a spot at training camp in September.
In addition to Tverberg's extension, the Maple Leafs have also signed defenseman Emil Andrae to a two-year contract, worth $1.55 million annually. Andrae was acquired along with goaltender Samuel Ersson and a third-round pick in a trade from the Philadelphia Flyers, in exchange for goaltender Joseph Woll and defenseman Simon Benoit.
Toronto GM John Chayka said, "Emil Andrae is a player I've watched for a number of years now. His speed and puck-moving ability will be assets for the Maple Leafs in a third-pairing role on Toronto's blueline." I expect him to rotate in and out of the lineup with Troy Stecher, who also re-signed with Toronto this summer for two years at $1.35 million AAV.
The Maple Leafs are currently standing 15th in the Eastern Conference, with a 32-36 record, on a seven-game losing streak. They will look to bounce back against the Montreal Canadiens on September 19.
With these signings, the Maple Leafs are continuing to build their roster ahead of the 2026-27 season. Tverberg and Andrae will provide depth and talent to the team, and will be key players to watch in the coming months.