The Toronto Maple Leafs made a splash in free agency Sunday, signing 6'6, 215-pound defenseman Nicolas Mattinen to a one-year, two-way contract beginning in 2024-2025. If Mattinen sticks with the Maple Leafs, he will earn $775,000.
The 26-year-old skated in 52 games with the Straubing Tigers of the DEL this season, where he led all defensemen in scoring, contributing 46 goals, which included 16 goals and 30 assists. The sixth-round pick initially played Usports and headed over to Europe, where he had a couple of successful seasons in Austria and Germany.
Many will suggest signing a 26-year-old is a waste of time, money, energy, and effort, and in fact, they could criticize the Maple Leafs brass for being lazy in this decision, but with his size alone, he brings an upside that the Maple Leafs have been lacking for quite some time. Not to mention the fact that he's right-handed, which may give him an edge in making the big club sooner rather than later.
Whatever happens to Mattinen come September, it certainly doesn't hurt to have too many bodies competing for the six spots that may be available, as well as a reserve spot in the press box or down with the Marlies where he can develop and hopefully fit in if called upon by the Maple Leafs.
