Travis Dermott Signs Two-Year Extension with Maple Leafs

As per multiple reports on Thursday, defenseman Travis Dermott has signed a two-year extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The deal carries a $1.5M annual average salary. The 24-year-old RFA blueliner’s deal will be broken down into a $1.25 million salary in year one, and a $1.75 million salary in year two. On expiry, the player will be an RFA with a $1.75 million qualifying offer will be one year from UFA eligibility.

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Dermy has a new deal!

Travis Dermott has signed a two-year contract extension. #LeafsForever

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 8, 2021

Most are calling this really solid value, but there’s immediate curiosity as to how this signing will affect the NHL Expansion Draft. If they don’t lose him to the Seattle Kraken, Dermott will be part of the Maple Leafs top six for a while. This could imply that Justin Holl is the odd man out in Toronto and will not be protected. On a larger scale, there could be a bigger trade coming.

Dermott is an up-and-coming player for the Maple Leafs who the organization hopes can take a bigger step forward. Popular Twitter analytics account JFresh writes, “Dermott has always had quite strong results despite never really gaining the trust of his coaches. His aggressiveness has consistently prevented scoring chances against even if it occasionally leads to a regrettable turnover.” At worst, he’s a very good 3rd pair defenseman. He can be a penalty killer and is excellent in zone exits.

Dermott Has Room to Grow

As part of the Maple Leafs organization, Dermott has picked up 47 points (11 goals, 36 assists) in 208 regular-season games. This past season he played in 51 of 56 regular-season games but was in the lineup for just three of the Leafs’ seven playoff games against the Montreal Canadiens.

In short, he doesn’t have the full trust of his coach, but if he stick in Toronto, he’s going to get a chance to prove he can earn it. He played a career low in minutes played per game this past season. That should go up, wherever it is he lands.

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