Blueger on Maple Leafs move: Nice to start from a clean slate
Teddy Blueger, who signed a two-year, $5 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1, says he is pleased to begin a new chapter with the team. The Latvian forward expects chemistry, especially with top draft pick Gavin McKenna, to be key for a successful season.
Teddy Blueger became an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and signed a two-year, $5 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The team had spent several seasons targeting the Stanley Cup, but the previous season ended with Toronto finishing second from bottom in the Eastern Conference.
Blueger sees his move as a chance to start fresh. "It is nice to start from a clean slate. This is a team with very good hockey players, and it is an opportunity to achieve something," he said. He stressed the importance of building chemistry and a brotherhood: "In any workplace, it takes time. You need to get to know each other and find that bond."
Though Blueger is accustomed to hockey attention in Canada from his time with the Vancouver Canucks, he understands that the spotlight in Toronto will be even brighter. "Toronto seems to be the center of everything because it is an Original Six team," he noted.
Toronto made changes in management this summer, with John Chayka taking over as general manager and Jim Hiller hired as head coach. The roster was reinforced with Sergei Bobrovsky, Darren Raddysh, Nick Paul, Jack Roslovic, Colton Sissons, Brandon Duhaime, and Emil Andrae.
The Maple Leafs also won the draft lottery and selected Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 pick. Blueger said any first overall pick draws enormous attention, and he is curious to see McKenna handle it. "From what I have heard from the guys in Toronto, he already gets massive media attention," Blueger said. McKenna is expected to anchor the offensive core along with Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Matthew Knies, and John Tavares.
Blueger hopes to contribute to what he sees as a talented group. "They already have several very, very good players, and then there are fresh additions. Hopefully I will be part of a good team and can make my contribution," he said.
During the offseason, the forward stays sharp by competing in Da Beauty League, a summer league featuring NHL and college players from Minnesota.
