The draft has passed, free agency has opened up, and the Toronto Maple Leafs shook the hockey world with a big deal. You can say the rebuild has officially begun in Toronto and hockey fans have started counting down until the beginning of next season. The latest moves for the blue and white have set up what is going to be a long, yet successful rebuild.

Turning your attention towards the free-agency signings, the Leafs did an excellent job putting themselves in a position where they could flip players for more assets or reserve them. More than anything, what was so excellent about the signings was the contracts themselves. They are all low-risk, which could bring a good return if the Leafs decide to move the players.

What is so special about the moves they made? Toronto opted to sign skaters to low-risk contracts at one-year and an affordable salary, and many teams around the league will no doubt be calling for those players if they are in the hunt for the playoffs. Over the past few seasons, teams have been willing to pay high prices for players even if they are deemed as rentals. A prime example was the Chicago Blackhawks‘ acquisition of Antoine Vermette for a first-round draft pick at this year’s trade deadline. The Hawks needed a player of Vermette’s caliber and were willing to pay the price (one which paid its dividends because they won the Stanley Cup).

Two players to watch for next season are the recently signed P.A. Parenteau and Shawn Matthias. Both players signed cap friendly, low-risk deals, which should gain attention from many teams around the league.

The deal for forward P.A. Parenteau was a great signing at one year for $1.5 million. A creative player who could put the puck in the back of the net, is an attractive piece to a contender. To me, Parenteau is a hopeful flip which could fetch a good return for the Leafs. Parenteau is coming off of a down year with a team he did not fit in with and sat in the press box as a result. He is expected to see ice time in Toronto, and if he produces, you could expect teams to be knocking on the door come the trade deadline. His contract is nothing for the Leafs to lose sleep over if he fails to bounce back this season.

The Shawn Matthias deal is one of my favorites. The 27-year-old center has struggled to live up to the hype he carried throughout his junior career and is getting a great chance on a rebuilding Leafs team. The center is coming off a year which saw him record a career high 27 points (18 goals, 9 assists), and he will receive the ice time to improve those numbers. With little pressure on his shoulders, this season could be Matthias’ big year. At one year for $2.3 million, Matthias is the perfect piece to try and flip if need be. However, with more moves expected to come (at the center position especially), I feel as if Matthias will be given the chance to find a home and mesh with new head coach Mike Babcock in Toronto.

The team has moved on from the outrageous spending habits of Dave Nonis and it is pleasing to see the organization diverting from past mistakes and taking the proper course of action. If the Leafs are able to showcase these players, they have unquestionably set themselves up for a chance to acquire more young assets or draft picks. Acquiring those two now will give the Leafs a greater chance at building a contender years from now.