Maple Leafs expected to invite Nick Blankenburg to training camp

Quick answers

Will Nick Blankenburg join the Maple Leafs for training camp?

Yes, Nick Blankenburg is expected to join the Toronto Maple Leafs for training camp as reported by Kevin Paul Dupont of The Boston Globe. This comes as the team is gearing up for the new season and seeks depth options on defense.

What could be the impact of Blankenburg's invite on the team?

Blankenburg’s invite provides Toronto with a potential depth option on defense, especially with Chris Tanev's uncertain recovery from surgery. Should Tanev not be ready, Blankenburg could step in as a viable alternative, given his recent performance and ability to average decent ice time.

Blankenburg’s recent performance

Nick Blankenburg, a 28-year-old defenseman, showed significant progress in his last two seasons in the NHL. In the 2024-25 season, he scored 16 points in 60 games with the Nashville Predators, averaging over 19 minutes of ice time per game.

His 2025-26 season continued this upward trend. Blankenburg recorded 21 points in 49 games before being traded to the Colorado Avalanche at the trade deadline. During his brief stint with Colorado, he notched three points in twelve regular season games and scored once in five playoff games.

Contract situation and team strategy

Despite his positive underlying numbers and decent offensive production, Blankenburg struggled to attract interest during free agency this offseason. His height of 5’9” raises questions among teams about his viability on the defensive end.

In the modern NHL, teams often prefer larger defensemen unless the player is an elite performer, making Blankenburg’s stature a potential drawback. Toronto’s new GM John Chayka has shown interest in beefing up the blueline, notably trading for Emil Andrae.

Depth and salary cap considerations

Toronto currently stands at over $2.75 million above the Upper Limit of the salary cap, according to PuckPedia. However, the Maple Leafs are also dealing with injuries. Max Domi is expected to miss the start of training camp while recovering from offseason surgery.

This situation could work to Toronto’s advantage. Domi may land on Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR), providing enough salary cap flexibility to add Blankenburg to the roster with a minimum-salary contract.

Potential role for Blankenburg

Assuming Chris Tanev is not fully recovered from surgery by the time the season starts, Blankenburg could serve as a viable extra defenseman. His recent performance could enable him to carve out a role within the team, especially if he can replicate his last two seasons in the NHL.

Bringing in a player like Blankenburg could strengthen Toronto’s depth on defense, giving them more options as the NHL season approaches. His training camp performance will be critical in determining his future with the team.

For related context, see latest NHL injury updates and NHL trade coverage.

Reporting for this story draws on Pro Hockey Rumors.

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