The Toronto Maple Leafs stole the attention of free agency with trading Phil Kessel, so much that many missed them signing a former member of the Montreal Canadiens in forward P.A. Parenteau. Parenteau signed a one year, $1.5M deal with the Maple Leafs.
Parenteau, 32, was bought out by the Montreal Canadiens prior to free agency after posting 22 points in 56 games. Parenteau was acquired by the Canadiens along with a draft pick from the Colorado Avalanche for Danny Briere. Parenteau’s best year was 67 points with the New York Islanders on a line with John Tavares followed by 43 points in 48 games in 2012-2013 with the Colorado Avalanche. Parenteau’s contract was $4M with the Canadiens prior to the unconditional buyout.
Parenteau has very big skates to fill in Toronto with Phil Kessel going to the Pittsburgh Penguins without any major players coming back in return. Still a very skilled player, Parenteau was unhappy with his usage in Montreal from head coach Michel Therrien. It is said that Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock talked Parenteau into coming to Toronto.
The last time there was a swap similar to this between the Habs and Maple Leafs was when Toronto bought out forward Colby Armstrong and the Montreal Canadiens signed him for one year, $1M in 2012-2013.
