Garrett Wilson, who played 50 games as a fourth-line winger for the Pittsburgh Penguins last season, has signed a one-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The 28-year-old Wilson started last season as Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s captain in the AHL before working his way into the NHL lineup and recording two goals, six assists and two fighting majors. He played in all four of the team’s playoff games as well, scoring a goal in Game 3 against the Islanders.
The Penguins have added in depth at forward in the offseason, signing free agent Brandon Tanev and acquiring Dominik Kahun in a trade with Chicago, making the team a less desirable destination for wingers hoping to claim a fourth-line role.
Wilson’s contract with Toronto is a one-way deal worth $725,000. Wilson played for the Penguins on a two-year, two-way deal worth $650,000 in the NHL and $250,000 in the AHL.
There were nine players on the Penguins roster last season set to hit unrestricted free agency on July 1.
Four never made it that far. Defenseman Zach Trotman and Chad Ruhwedel re-signed with the Penguins, winger Carl Hagelin re-upped with Washington and center Derek Grant stayed with Anaheim.
Matt Cullen retired earlier this month. Jean-Sebastien Dea signed with Buffalo. Derick Brassard and Riley Sheahan remain unsigned.
Key minor league free agents who have left the Penguins this summer include AHL all-star defenseman Ethan Prow, who signed with Florida, and veteran defenseman Chris Summers, who signed in Germany.
