The Toronto Maple Leafs made a big number of reassignments on Wednesday as they move to the regular season, but for Nick Abruzzese it may be a bit tougher.
The Toronto Maple Leafs need to make some difficult choices if they want to have a successful 2024–2025 season. The team made numerous roster cuts on Wednesday, sending some players who were hoped to be on the Maple Leafs to the Toronto Marlies.
One forward whose path to the Toronto Marlies remains uncertain is Nick Abruzzese. The Maple Leafs recently placed him on waivers with the intention of reassigning him to the Marlies, but his future with the team isn’t guaranteed.
Forwards: M. Barbolini, J. Frasca, M. Gosselin, B. Kressler, B. Lisowsky, R. Mastrosimone, M. Sikic, Z. Solow, S. Stevens, T. Voit
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) October 3, 2024
If Nick Abruzzese clears waivers, he will return to the Toronto Marlies. However, other teams now have the opportunity to claim the former USHL standout. Losing Abruzzese would be a blow to the Marlies, as he has scored 32 goals and 68 assists in his two seasons with the team. He also made an impact with the Maple Leafs, scoring a game-winning goal against the Bruins during a nine-game call-up. He was also brought up as insurance for Game 6 of last year’s playoffs against the Bruins, though he didn’t play.
Maple Leafs forward Nick Abruzzese has been placed on waivers for purposes of reassignment to the @TorontoMarlies (AHL).
The following players have been reassigned to the @TorontoMarlies (AHL):
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) October 3, 2024
The Maple Leafs re-signed Abruzzese to a two-year, $1.5 million contract extension in 2023. While he hasn’t had much NHL playing time, there’s still hope for him. He had a solid preseason performance and will likely be one of the first Marlies considered for a call-up if injuries or performance issues arise during the season.
Not impossible Abruzzese gets claimed. Solid playmaking forward in the AHL, big part of the Marlies’ offence. https://t.co/Zm6WjqJTlX
— Steve “Dangle” Glynn (@Steve_Dangle) October 3, 2024
It’s an unfortunate situation for Nick Abruzzese, but it’s far from the end of the road. If he clears waivers and contributes effectively with the Marlies, he could very well earn another opportunity with the Maple Leafs. His performance at the AHL level might just pave the way for a return to the big club.
Leave a Reply