Maple Leafs PTOs: Two Out, One In, and One To Go.

By Alex Hobson

Heading into an already packed 2015 Maple Leafs training camp, the Buds brought in four players on PTOs. These players were Devin Setoguchi, Curtis Glencross, Brad Boyes, and Mark Fraser. Setoguchi would be looking to rejuvenate his career after struggling to find NHL minutes over the past few seasons, while Glencross, Boyes, and Fraser were just looking to prove themselves in hopes of earning an NHL contract. In this article, I'll fill you in on the status of these PTOs, and why they turned out how they did.

OUT
 
 

 Devin Setoguchi
 
Setoguchi, at one point, was a 30 goal scorer and could be relied on for 50 points. However, his last couple of seasons in the NHL have been difficult. He played in 75 games for the Winnipeg Jets in 2013-14 season, recording only 27 points, and then signed with the Calgary Flames for the following season. He only played in 12 games with the big club, recording no points, and then was sent down to the AHL. He agreed to a PTO with the Leafs to once again, revive his career, but to no avail. He recorded no points in the 2 games he appeared in for the Leafs, and didn't show any other flashes in his game, therefore leading to his release from his PTO. Expect Setoguchi to sign somewhere in Europe for the upcoming season.

 

Curtis Glencross

Glencross' case is similar to Setoguchi's, but was more of a "prove-yourself" scenario rather than an attempt to revive his career. He played in the NHL last season, splitting time between the Calgary Flames and the Washington Capitals, where he recorded a total of 35 points in 71 games. Those stats aren't too bad for a 3rd liner, but when the time came that saw him needing a new contract, nobody seemed to want his services. The Leafs finally agreed to a PTO with him, and he didn't impress as much as people thought he might. Glencross also recorded no points in the two games he appeared in, and his play wasn't enough to earn him a deal, so he was ultimately released.

IN
 

 

Brad Boyes
 
Here's a good story. Brad Boyes was originally drafted in the first round of the 2000 NHL Draft as a 24th overall pick by the Maple Leafs. He was a hometown boy, excited to join his childhood team, but then was dealt to the San Jose Sharks along with a 1st round pick and Alyn McCauley in exchange for Owen Nolan. Boyes has been a consistent player his entire career, and has proved he can be a consistent 20 goal scorer. The Leafs were impressed with his play during preseason, so they rewarded him with a one year, $700,000 contract. Boyes could potentially start the NHL season alongside of Peter Holland, given that he previously stated that he developed chemistry with him during the games he appeared in.

STILL IN PROGRESS
 

 
Mark Fraser

Fraser was no stranger to Leafs fans, nor the organization itself when he put on the blue and white jersey. He originally played for the Leafs during the 2012-13 season, and for part of the 2013-14 season before being dealt to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Teemu Hartikainen and Cameron Abney. His most recent tenure was with the New Jersey Devils, and is a favourite of GM Lou Lamoriello's due to his gritty and stay at home presence. Fraser is still on his PTO, but it's uncertain whether he will be offered a contract as a 7th or 8th defenseman, or be released and try to find work elsewhere.

Thanks for reading.