Be sure to like HockeyBuzz on facebook! For the latest Leafs updates or Follow @mikeinbuffalo on Twitter The opening weekend of free agency was a busy one for the Toronto Maple Leafs, as they made one trade and signed four players to bolster their defense, depth and toughness, but that does not mean that the work is done for GM Kyle Dubas. After signing winger Wayne Simmonds and defenseman TJ Brodie on Friday, the Leafs dealt winger Andreas Johnsson to New Jersey for forward Joey Anderson. The 22-year-old Minnesota native is a product of the US National Development Program, won gold at the 2017 World Junior with Team USA, and had two excellent offensive seasons at Minnesota-Duluth before turning pro in 2018. Anderson split time between the Devils and the American Hockey League the last two seasons, putting up good offensive numbers (15 goals, 19 assists in 44 games) with Binghamton. His work ethic and two-way ability makes him a good fit as a bottom-six winger, especially with the Leafs looking to be more energetic and physical. Toronto continued their pursuit of toughness on Saturday with the signing of defenseman Zach Bogosian to a one-year, $1 million contract. The former third overall pick had a plethora of injuries in over five seasons in Buffalo and had his contract terminated by the Sabres in February. Bogosian spoke to the Leafs before signing with Tampa for the rest of last season and the 30-year-old played well during the Lightning’s Cup run, averaging nearly 18 minutes per game and partnering at times with Victor Hedman. His addition provides some much-needed physicality and experience on the right side in back of Brodie and Justin Holl and insurance in case Travis Dermott or Mikko Lehtonen struggle on their offside. The surprise of the weekend was the signing of winger Jimmy Vesey to a one-year, $900,000 deal. The 6’3…, 202 lb. winger struggled offensively last season with only nine goals in 64 games for Buffalo, but led their forwards with a +12 rating. The 2015 Hobey Baker Award averaged 17 goals over three seasons with the New York Rangers playing mostly on their second line, but his production fell in Buffalo after being relegated to mostly a bottom-six role. Depending on what further moves the Leafs make, Vesey could be an option to play a checking role with former Harvard linemate Alex Kerfoot, but it is possible that he could be an option to replace Johnsson as a winger with Auston Matthews. The biggest impact that the past weekend had for the Leafs is giving them more options. Toronto now has nine defensemen (Morgan Rielly, Brodie, Jake Muzzin, Justin Holl, Bogosian, Travis Dermott, Rasmus Sandin, Timothy Liljegren, and Mikko Lehtonen) and might be willing to trade one to open up cap space or add another forward after having to trade Johnsson and Kasperi Kapanen to clear salary. *******
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— Norman James (@IamNormanJames) October 11, 2020