Toronto Maple Leafs sign defenseman Nick Blankenburg to professional tryout

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed unrestricted free agent defenseman Nick Blankenburg to a professional tryout contract on Saturday. The 28-year-old enters the fold as organizational depth following uncertainty regarding the health of Chris Tanev, who has yet to receive medical clearance. Blankenburg provides a puck-moving option capable of playing both sides of the blueline, addressing a depth concern the team faced during the previous season. Because the team has reached its 50-contract limit, management must clear a roster spot before formally adding Blankenburg to the active lineup. The organization expects to gain clarity on roster composition as training camp progresses and potential waiver moves are finalized.

• 5:05 AMYahoo Sports — Maple Leafs’ Blankenburg PTO Could Be Bigger Than It Looks