Toronto Maple Leafs: Power Play Is Going To Struggle (More) by Tim Chiasson

There are rumors swirling around the Toronto Maple Leafs and Devin Setoguchi right now, but there has been no official confirmation.

The rumor is that Setoguchi is close to signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs – but what type of contract is still an unknown.

It could be a PTO, AHL or NHL contract.

Taking advantage of a 2nd chance. Devon Setoguchi says he’s gone to rehab, been clean and sober for 5 months, close to signing with #leafs — Glenn Campbell (@CTVGCampbell) August 11, 2015

It’s interesting, to say the least.

Setoguchi played 12 games for the Calgary Flames and another 19 for their AHL affiliate during the 2014-2015 season. He registered three goals and seven assists at the AHL level but failed to get on the scoreboard with Calgary.

He’s been a pretty average possession player lately in his career, recording relative percentages of +1 to -1.8 over the last three seasons. It’s another player that could be a comeback showcase for the Toronto Maple Leafs trade deadline aspirations.

Like any signing the Toronto Maple Leafs made this off-season, there is very little (read: none) risk involved in the players. This is a rebuild and these players could potentially be flipped at the deadline for assets. Worst case scenario is they play out their one year deals in Toronto.

Toronto is listed at 52 contracts on GeneralFanager.com, but of those 52 there are three that can slide – meaning they’ll be off the books. Mitch Marner, Travis Dermott and Cody Donaghey’s contracts can all slide under the CBA.

That would bring Toronto down to 49 contracts, giving them the ability to sign Devin Setoguchi to at least a two-way contract. It remains to be seen, though, just what kind of contract (if any) Setoguchi has been tendered.

The team has made no announcement, nor have any of the major sports outlets like TSN or Sportsnet.

For now, we can just sit back and enjoy a rare Toronto Maple Leafs rumor and await some potential news in hockey’s dead month.