Maple Leafs' Lorentz: I 'blacked out' during preseason goal
It may only be preseason, but scoring a goal for his boyhood team was a dream come true for Toronto Maple Leafs forward Steven Lorentz.
The only problem? He can't fully remember it.
"I blacked out a little bit there," the Kitchener, Ontario, native said.
He added: "Coming to this rink as a kid and watching as a young guy and then being able to (score) and put my arms over my head is a pretty special feeling."
LOCOMOTIVE LORENTZ!! 👀 pic.twitter.com/o1B9xZmQVp
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) October 5, 2024
Lorentz is with the Maple Leafs on a professional tryout, but he appears to be on the verge of earning a contract. Head coach Craig Berube gave a glowing review of the fourth line of Lorentz, David Kampf, and Ryan Reaves.
"They were great tonight. Very good," Berube said. "I know they got a goal, but just controlled the play and made it tough on the other team. Ragging pucks in the offensive zone, checking well. That's what we need. They're a big line."
The 6-foot-4 Lorentz brings size and speed to the Leafs' fourth line. He skated in 38 regular-season games and 16 postseason contests during the Panthers' 2024 Stanley Cup triumph.
Lorentz, 28, has recorded 21 goals and 22 assists in 230 games across four NHL seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes, San Jose Sharks, and Panthers.
The Maple Leafs have a bit of a logjam up front, with 13 forwards already under contract. In addition to Lorentz, veteran Max Pacioretty is also on a PTO. However, Connor Dewar and Calle Jarnkrok are dealing with injuries and their availability for the season opener is in jeopardy.