The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed restricted free agent defenceman Emil Andrae to a two-year contract, the team announced Saturday. The deal carries an average annual value of $1.5 million, according to sources familiar with the negotiation.
Contract Details and Player Background
Andrae, 23, was a fifth-round pick (143rd overall) by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2020 NHL Draft. He was acquired by the Maple Leafs in a trade last season and split time between the NHL and the AHL's Toronto Marlies. In 18 games with the Leafs, he recorded two assists and a plus-3 rating while averaging 14:22 of ice time per game.
The two-year deal keeps Andrae under team control through the 2027-28 season. He will be eligible for salary arbitration at the conclusion of the contract.
Impact on Maple Leafs Roster
Andrae's signing adds left-shot defensive depth to a Leafs blue line that already includes Morgan Rielly, Jake McCabe, and Simon Benoit. The 5-foot-9, 181-pound defenceman is known for his puck-moving ability and offensive instincts, having posted 28 points in 48 AHL games last season.
"Emil is a skilled, mobile defenceman who fits our system well," Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving said in a statement. "We're excited to have him under contract and look forward to his continued development."
RFA Situation Resolved
With Andrae signed, the Maple Leafs have now locked up all their restricted free agents for the upcoming season. The team still has approximately $4.2 million in salary cap space remaining, according to CapFriendly.
Andrae is expected to compete for a regular spot on the third pairing during training camp. He could also see time on the power play, where his offensive skills could be utilized.
