Unrestricted free agent Brandon Prust has signed a professional tryout (PTO) contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, general manager Lou Lamoriello said on Monday. Lamoriello confirmed the news during an interview on Sportsnet 590’s Prime Time Sports radio show.
Lamoriello confirms to #PTS that Brandon Prust has been signed to a PTO with the #Leafs.
— Sportsnet590 The FAN (@FAN590) August 22, 2016
News of Prust’s PTO comes on the same day that the team announced the signing of goaltender Jonas Enroth to a one-year deal, $750,000 contract.
When healthy, Prust has been an effective role player at the NHL level. (Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports)
Prust, 32, has been an effective role player during his nine-year NHL career but split time between the Vancouver Canucks and the AHL’s Utica Comets in 2015-16 before an ankle injury ended his season. In 35 games with the Canucks last year, Prust scored seven points and added 56 penalty minutes.
Since being selected by the Calgary Flames 70th overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, the London, Ontario native has skated in 486 NHL games and registered 115 points and 1,036 penalty minutes.
Prust’s PTO will give the Maple Leafs an opportunity to evaluate his recovery from last season’s injury and if he makes the club, will provide a layer of protection for rookie Auston Matthews and his teammates against opposing players.
Prust will look to impress Lamoriello and head coach Mike Babcock when training camp opens on Sept. 22 in Halifax.
