Former Leafs defenceman signs new deal to continue his NHL career

A former Toronto Maple Leaf is returning to pro hockey months after undergoing surgery.

Former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Travis Dermott has signed a professional tryout contract with the American Hockey League Hartford Wolf Pack, the team announced.

The Hartford Wolf Pack are the AHL affiliate of the New York Rangers. Hartford is last in the AHL’s Atlantic Division with a 16-23-4-1 record.

Dermott, 29, was a second round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2015 NHL Draft, 34th overall, drafted from the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League, a team that included that year’s first overall pick, Connor McDavid.

Appearing in eight seasons with the Leafs, Canucks, Arizona Coyotes, Edmonton Oilers, & the Minnesota Wild, Dermott has played in 348 career NHL games, with 16 goals, 45 assists, & 61 points.

Dermott split time last season in the NHL between the Edmonton Oilers and the Minnesota Wild in 19 games, along with three games in the American Hockey League.

It’s unknown when Dermott will make his debut with Hartford, but he will not appear in Saturday’s game against the Providence Bruins. The Wolf Pack’s next game comes next Saturday against the Charlotte Checkers.