Is he about to move into a different residence after spending time in the NHL?
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been one of the NHL’s busiest teams this offseason, adding a new general manager, a new head coach, and a slew of roster additions that have completely changed the team’s appearance heading into 2026-27. From adding players like Jack Roslovic, Darren Raddysh, and Sergei Bobrovsky to selecting Gavin McKenna first overall, Toronto has been quite exciting. But with all that new talent comes the harsh truth that not everyone can remain, and on Thursday, one well-known person found himself on the outside looking in.
For Lorentz, a difficult numbers game
The Maple Leafs announced Thursday that forward Steven Lorentz has been placed on waivers. Toronto is still around $2.8 million over the salary cap with only a few days till their regular season opener against Montreal, and the 30-year-old native of Kitchener, Ontario, still has a year left on his contract with a $1.35 million cap hit.
Lorentz arrived in Toronto on a professional tryout before the 2024-25 season, but he made enough of an impression to earn a three-year extension in June 2025. He played in 151 games for the Leafs over the previous two seasons, scoring seven goals and 18 points in 71 games in the 2025–26 season. Lorentz seemed like he would fit perfectly into the new plan after GM John Chayka spent the summer advocating for a speed requirement in his roster overhaul, as his speed and physical edge were regarded as important assets for the bottom six.
However, the numbers became impossible due to the flood of new bodies. When the music stopped, Lorentz simply didn’t have a chair remaining since the team was hoping to put Teddy Blueger, Brandon Duhaime, and Colton Sissons in depth positions. For a man who obviously embraced the culture, telling reporters earlier this week that he took the advise from his time in Carolina under Rod Brind’Amour to heart, never presuming a roster spot was assured regardless of what your contract states, this is a difficult split.
What’s Next for Toronto?
Lorentz isn’t the only player the Leafs have placed on waivers this week. On Wednesday, defensemen Dakota Mermis and Cole McWard were also waived. They will report to the Toronto Marlies of the AHL if none of the three are claimed. Specifically for Lorentz, there is a good chance that another NHL team would take a chance on a player with his skating prowess and Stanley Cup-winning history at a relatively low cap figure.
Meanwhile, the Leafs have several injury issues to watch out for as the opener approaches. Winger Dakota Joshua is anticipated to miss the opening of the season due to a core muscle problem, according to head coach Jim Hiller’s announcement this week. Additionally, Nick Paul, a newly acquired forward who arrived from Tampa Bay in exchange for goalkeeper Dennis Hildeby and a couple of draft choices, is also questionable for the first game.
While those absences may make the Lorentz waiver move seem a little strange in the immediate term, the organization is clearly focused on the larger picture. Following a dismal 2025-26 season that saw the team fall so low as to win lottery luck for McKenna, there is a renewed sense of hope in Toronto. The Leafs are convinced that they have the talent to contend for a playoff position in what is still the most difficult division in the league because to their excellent combination of young and seasoned additions. Whether they can maintain their health to achieve that is an entirely different issue.
