Initially appearing as if they would stay quiet in this year’s free agency, the Montreal Canadiens have announced the signing of unrestricted free agent, Tyler Toffoli. The two sides agreed to terms on a four-year contract worth $17 million.
Toffoli, 28, split time between the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks where would manage to score 24 goals along with 20 assists for 44 points. He did so in 68 games played. He also went on to add four points in seven postseason games for the Canucks.
As per TSN’s Pierre Lebrun, the breakdown of Tyler Toffoli’s new deal is as follows:
- 2020-21: $3.25M
- 2021-22: $5.125M
- 2022-23: $5.125M
- 2023-24: $3.5M
The contract will fully be paid the salary cap and does not contain any signing bonuses. Moreover, there is no inclusion of a no-movement clause or no-trade clause, further adding to the value the Montreal Canadiens are getting in this signing.
On paper, Tyler Toffoli offers stability to a Montreal Canadiens lineup that often lacks goal-scoring outside of the top-six, at times altogether. With the addition of Toffoli, and if the Canadiens can manage to stay healthy, they can have at the very least one 20-goal scorer in each of their top three lines.
Furthermore, while strictly speculating, centreman Jesperi Kotkaniemi has yet to line up alongside a 20+ goal scorer during his time with the Canadiens. This is the case while excluding the playoffs. This may be the acquisition Montreal has been looking for in order to rectify the situation while further advancing the development of one of their most promising players.
While Toffoli does, at times, lack finish that prevents him from becoming a bonafide high-end sniper, the former 2014 Stanley Cup champion has had three seasons with 20 goals or more as well as a 31-goal season. As a result, the Canadiens may have walked away with one of the biggest signings of free agency this season as Toffoli is a very valuable piece for them.
Following the Tyler Toffoli signing, expect Montreal to make another move in the coming weeks as they are now over the salary cap.