NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs Linked To Defenseman Matt Grzelcyk After Career-Best Season

Tuesday, August 12, 2025 ,
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk shoots the puck during 2025 game.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked to veteran defenseman Matt Grzelcyk. 

After a career-high 40-point season with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2024-25, Grzelcyk remains unsigned, despite being an effective puck-moving defenseman with strong power-play potential. The Maple Leafs, who struggled with offensive production from their blue line last season, could greatly benefit from a player like Grzelcyk. His addition could provide the Leafs with the offensive depth they’ve lacked from the back end.

Maple Leafs Eye Matt Grzelcyk as a PTO Candidate to Bolster Defense

Grzelcyk, 31, registered 39 assists and one goal last season, including 15 points on the power play, making him a potentially valuable asset for Toronto’s top power-play unit. His experience with the Boston Bruins and Penguins proves his ability to handle top-four minutes, providing solid all-around play. 

Despite his strong performance last season, Grzelcyk remains a free agent, and with several teams hesitant to sign him, Toronto could seize the opportunity by offering him a professional tryout (PTO). A low-risk move, signing Grzelcyk would allow the Leafs to evaluate his fit during camp, while potentially adding a much-needed puck-moving defenseman to their roster.

With the Leafs already holding eight defensemen on their roster, Grzelcyk’s addition could push out a player via trade like Brandon Carlo or Morgan Rielly, whose names have both come up in trade talks.

Grzelcyk’s ability to quarterback a power play would be invaluable to Toronto, especially as they seek to improve their defense and overall offensive production from the back end.

Photo Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

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