Nick Shore's contract with the Leafs is for $750,000. Gives them another right shot down middle to win faceoffs and kill penalties.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) July 1, 2019
The signing is likely a depth move for the Leafs. Center is already a deep position for Toronto, especially with the signing of veteran Jason Spezza. Though he was not an everyday NHL player when the league last saw Shore, perhaps he found his game in Russia. Still, Shore is a serviceable bottom six center. Relative to league average, Shore’s team has a +19 percent shot differential when he’s on the ice.
With Shore, the Leafs now have options at centre. Kadri could move to wing, or be moved to acquire a defensive player. If the Leafs plan to keep Kadri on the team, and at centre, Shore provides a solid insurance option. This may be a good policy, given Kadri’s penchant for earning suspensions. The addition of Spezza and Shore should make the Leafs situation at centre all the more interesting.