The Toronto Maple Leafs continue on their crusade of swooping up unqualified RFAs, adding some defensive depth in the process. According to Sportsnet’s Luke Fox, the team is bringing in defenseman Victor Mete. They’ve also signed gritty veteran Jordie Benn on a one-year deal for $750K, which is the price of both deals.
Mete heads to his third Canadian team after spending five NHL seasons with the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators. A decent depth defenseman, most would say Mete was rushed into NHL minutes at age 19 despite being the 100th overall pick just one year prior to his debut in 2017-18. He’d posted really solid defensive play during his time in Montreal, but after the Senators claimed him on waivers in April of 2021, he didn’t have the same success. He played just 37 of 82 games in 2021-22, averaging only 14:37 per game and notching seven assists. It was a year to forget for Mete, but he’ll now head to Toronto to rediscover his defensive game.
Benn, 34, joins the Leafs after an eight-point, 39-game season with the Minnesota Wild last year. Jamie Benn’s older brother hasn’t been terribly effective for years now aside from providing a gritty, physical presence at the bottom of the lineup, and he’ll provide the same thing for Toronto. He’ll likely get most of his action when the team opts to ice 11 forwards and seven defensemen.
Come on why report this s**t not a big signing oh that is right it is T.O…
1. have you not seen all the stories with players less known than these two?
2. why are you in a hockey rumours/news site if you don’t like hockey news
Who said I don’t like hockey news it seems this site reports on an ant and a fly getting signed by the Maple Leafs…
I mean they report on all the minor signings for every team. And it’s not like these guys weren’t in the NHL before?
Hey, an ant and/or fly is more than the Preds have done so far! :D …… :(
it must be fun to be a maple leaf hater. complaining about signings on a site that reports signings for all teams of all types of calibre of player.
Best reply on Luke’s page–“Finally wishing Mark Hunter got the job over Dubas”
Not really what the Leafs need. Some nice depth for sure, but a top 4 RD is desperately needed. Their right side is Liljegren and Holl with Brodie playing on his off-side. Not ideal.
Also with that said…Rielly, Muzzin, Giordano, Sandin (RFA) and now Mete and Benn add 2 more LD to the crew, I’m thinking these deals might suggest either Muzzin or Sandin will be traded.
sandin could be traded or they anticipate a potential offer sheet and are building up just in case.
wonder too if they have a feeling muzzin might be leaning to retirement. multiple concussions last year might make him think longer about another season
What a mess.
Mete is terrible.
Smooth skater, zero offense and zero defense and has a mediocre shot. He could get pushed around by pee wee Herman.
But on a positive note he will clear waivers as many times as you like.