Leaf of the Day: Volume 16 - P.A Parenteau

By Alex Hobson

In the late morning hours of July 1st, 2015, the Leafs announced the signing of a new player to a one year contract. This player was P.A Parenteau. This signing was largely overshadowed given that it happened just a few minutes after the Leafs had announced the Phil Kessel trade. This signing still has some significance, though, considering this is another player on a one year contract at a cheap price, and Parenteau has quite a history in the NHL, and he's experienced several ups and downs. Let's take a look at what the Leafs are getting in Parenteau.

Pareanteau started his career with the New York Rangers, but only played there for a short period of time before he was traded to their division rivals, the New York Islanders. Once Parenteau arrived in Long Island, his career really started to take off. He recorded 53 points in 81 games in his debut season with the Isles, and then recorded a career-high 67 points in 80 games the following year. The following year, he signed with the Colorado Avalanche and had another good year in the shortened season with the Avs, recording 43 points in 48 games. He spent the next year with the Avalanche before being traded to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Daniel Briere. Under new head coach Michel Therrien, Parenteau experienced various difficulties, eventually being demoted to the fourth line and being a healthy scratch several times. By the end of the season, the Canadiens bought out his contract, and the Leafs proceeded to sign him. As you can see, Parenteau has had a roller coaster of an NHL career to this point. As shown below, Parenteau was grateful to play for a coach that appreciated his services, given that Mike Babcock talked to him and was the initial reason he decided to join the Leafs.

New Maple Leaf P.A. Parenteau to La Presse: "It will be good to play for a coach that actually wants you." http://t.co/Qv9gXkcfOo

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 1, 2015

STATUS: RENTAL

This, like many other players the Leafs signed, is a player who's on a one year contract at a cheap price (Parenteau is being paid $1.5 million) and if he can rack up some points this year, it would make sense for the Leafs to trade him at the deadline for draft picks. If he doesn't have a good year, it would make sense for them to let him walk at the end of the year, but he's a rental nevertheless.

2015-16 ROLE: 1ST LINE RIGHT WING

I'm being very specific with this role, but it makes most sense for him. There's obviously a large gap in the first line right wing after Phil Kessel was dealt, and Parenteau has a couple of good offensive seasons on his resume. He has the tools, and after a bad season with Montreal, he could look to redeem himself under new head coach Mike Babcock.

What do you think of Parenteau, Leafs fans? Weigh in below.