+34
Blankenburg came to Toronto's training camp on a PTO and earned himself a contract for the 2026-27 season.
announced that the team has signed defenseman Nick Blankenburg to a one-year contract. The deal will carry a cap hit of $1.4 million for the 2026-27 season.
He has clearly done his due diligence to earn a spot on the team’s opening-night roster with his performance over the past week. He appeared in two of the team’s four preseason games, averaging a little over 19 minutes per game. He picked up an assist during Wednesday night’s 4-2 win over theBlankenburg will most likely be used as a seventh defenseman if the Leafs manage to stay healthy this year.
With an established top-four of Morgan Rielly, Darren Raddysh, Jake McCabe and Chris Tanev, Blankenburg could circle into the lineup on the third pair, as head coach Jim Hiller could rotate him with Troy Stecher. It is kind of surprising that Blankenburg went this long without a new contract. The 28-year-old is coming off the best season of his NHL tenure. After an impressive start to the 2025-26 campaign with the Predators,prior to the trade deadline.
He scored just two goals and three points in 12 regular-season games with the eventual Presidents’ Trophy winners, and scored a goal in just five Stanley Cup Playoff appearances. Yet, the 5-foot-9 rearguard still set career highs in goals , assists and points during the regular season. In 176 regular-season games in the league, the former Michigan Wolverine has scored 18 goals and 40 assists for 58 points.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Report by former Leafs exec makes 11 recommendations to improve Ontario junior hockeyHockey Canada president and chief executive officer Katherine Henderson says Shanahan's recommendations will be adopted immediately.
Read more »
‘Our captain lives there’: Matthews grateful Leafs bringing bonding trip to ArizonaAuston Matthews was “pretty excited” to find out the Leafs planned to switch the site of their annual team-bonding trip from Muskoka to Arizona, Mark Masters writes.
Read more »
Toronto Maple Leafs Choose Scottsdale for Pre-Season Bonding TripThe Toronto Maple Leafs will fly to Scottsdale, Arizona, for their annual pre-season bonding trip instead of the traditional Muskoka location, citing a desire for a fresh start and the personal significance for captain Auston Matthews.
Read more »
Toronto Maple Leafs Rookie Gavin McKenna Set for Bright Future with Star-Studded LineupAs the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for the 2026-27 season, new first-overall pick Gavin McKenna joins a talented roster featuring Auston Matthews and William Nylander. Analysts discuss the potential for a strong rookie campaign without unrealistic pressure, highlighting the supportive environment in Toronto.
Read more »