Setoguchi confirms Maple Leafs tryout; checked into rehab in April

Devin Setoguchi has signed a professional tryout contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The eight-year NHL veteran confirmed the agreement during an interview with Andrew Walker on Sportsnet 590 The FAN on Thursday.

Setoguchi said off-ice issues caused many clubs to pass on signing him this summer.

"I was in a tough position this year," he said. "I ended up going to rehab in April. Around the league, my rep over the last couple of years and my word (haven't) meant much. I had gotten to the point when I had pretty much diminished any kind of merit in the league and no one really believed what I was saying."

The 28-year-old expressed gratitude to the Maple Leafs' organization for giving him a chance to make the team.

"I still have a lot to prove this year and I feel thankful that Toronto was able to give me the PTO."

Setoguchi said he spoke with Maple Leafs general manager Lou Lamoriello last summer when the executive was GM of the New Jersey Devils, adding that the opportunity with the Leafs was among the only chances he had to return to the NHL.

"I took a wrong turn and once I took that turn and knew it, I was in denial of it and it was everyone else's problem," he said. "I'm just so thankful I get this chance and I know it's not going to be easy."

He knows there's no guarantee of a Maple Leafs roster spot.

"All the odds are stacked against me, but I'm just really excited and I really hope that things can work out."

Setoguchi split last season between the Calgary Flames and their AHL affiliate in Adirondack, N.Y., scoring three goals in 31 games, and recording no points in 12 NHL contests.

He was drafted eighth overall by the San Jose Sharks in 2005, and scored a career-high 31 goals with the Sharks in 2008-09.