For a team with 1) limited cap space and 2) a desire to add a scoring forward prior to the trade deadline, Toronto winger P.A. Parenteau may just fit the bill.
Parenteau, 32, has 15 goals and 15 assists in 56 games for the Leafs. He’s also a pending unrestricted free agent with a cap hit of only $1.5 million.
Last night against the Rangers, he scored once while logging a season-high 22:31 in ice time.
“It’s the best I’ve felt in the last three years for sure,” Parenteau told Sportsnet yesterday. “The fact that I haven’t been injured is huge and the fact that I have the confidence of my coach makes a huge difference. I feel as good as my first year in Denver and my Islanders days.”
Parenteau had a career-high 67 points in 80 games for the Islanders in 2011-12. His first year with the Avs, the lockout-shortened 2013 season, it was 43 points in 48 games.
Then came the injuries, including a torn MCL and concussion.
Parenteau will almost certainly be traded in the next couple of weeks. He knew that was a possibility when he signed with the rebuilding club on July 1.
The way he’s been playing, there should no shortage of interest.
