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Maple Leafs Choose Newcomer Zack MacEwen Over Veteran Forward
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- Maple Leafs Choose Newcomer Zack MacEwen Over Veteran Forward
The Toronto Maple Leafs made a slightly surprising roster move Thursday, placing a veteran forward on waivers and ultimately passing on reassigning him to the AHL's Marlies on Friday.
The Leafs initially placed eight players on waivers on Thursday, including Steven Lorentz . The 30-year-old forward has to clear waivers before being reassigned to the AHL affiliate.
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According to The Athletic's Jonas Siegel and Chris Johnston, Lorentz was beaten out for Toronto 's final forward spot by Zack MacEwen , one of several additions the Leafs made this offseason under new general manager John Chayka.
MacEwen signed a two-year, $1.75 million contract carrying an $875,000 cap hit and seemingly impressed new Maple Leafs coach Jim Hiller enough to choose him over Lorentz.
Lorentz spent the past two seasons with Toronto, recording seven goals and 18 points across 71 games last year. He's under contract through 2027-28 at a $1.35 million annual cap hit.
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Following this move, Toronto's fourth line is projected to feature newcomers Teddy Blueger and Brandon Duhaime , with MacEwen slotting into the right wing.
Siegel and Johnston also reported that Toronto is expected to sign right-shot defenseman Nick Blankenburg , who attended camp on a professional tryout, if another franchise claims Lorentz and creates a roster spot in Toronto.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Steven Lorentz (18) looks on during a stoppage in play.David Kirouac-Imagn Images
If Lorentz clears, assigning him to the AHL's Toronto Marlies would allow the Maple Leafs to bury all but $125,000 of his cap hit.
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The Maple Leafs must finalize their opening roster before Monday's 5 p.m. deadline. Toronto is scheduled to open the regular season on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET against the New York Islanders .
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
