The Toronto Maple Leafs are keeping their options open heading into training camp.
Speedy winger Mason Raymond has agreed to a professional tryout with the NHL team, agent J.P. Barry of CAA Sports confirmed on Sunday night.
Raymond had spent his entire career with the Vancouver Canucks, but wasn’t offered a new deal by the team after last season. He scored 10 goals and 22 points in 46 games while earning a pro-rated $2.275 millon during the lockout-shortened year.
Maple Leafs general manager Dave Nonis was in charge of the Canucks when Raymond was selected 51st overall in 2005 and contacted Barry more than a month ago to let him know that there might be room for the 27-year-old in Toronto now.
“It’s something that will give (coach) Randy (Carlyle) some more options and we’ll see if he’s a fit,” Nonis said at the conclusion of the team’s rookie tournament in London, Ont.
“He’s a quality person and he’s a pretty good player.”
Raymond represents some potential depth for the Leafs at forward, especially with centre Nazem Kadri still unsigned.
The Leafs have also yet to reach an agreement with restricted free agent defenceman Cody Franson – there has been no progress in either negotiation, according to Nonis – and the team only currently has about $5 million in room to play with under the $64.3-million salary cap.
As a result, Toronto will have to do plenty of roster juggling before opening the regular season in Montreal on Oct. 1.
Raymond hopes to show the Leafs’ brass enough in the coming weeks to earn a contract. The only left-wingers currently guaranteed a spot on the team are Joffrey Lupul and James van Riemsdyk.
“We’re getting pretty close to camp and we have some opportunities,” said Nonis. “He’s looking for a chance to prove himself so it’s a pretty good fit.”
Raymond’s best NHL season came in 2009-10, when he scored 25 goals and 53 points for the Canucks.
