Music: {allcanada} Babcock recruits Parenteau to Maple Leafs

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

{allcanada} Babcock recruits Parenteau to Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed unrestricted free agent P.A. Parenteau to a one-year, $1.5-million contract Wednesday after the winger was bought out by the Montreal Canadiens.

And, according to TVA's Renaud Lavoie, head coach Mike Babcock played recruiter.

"It will be good to play for a coach that actually wants you," Parenteau told La Presse.

With Phil Kessel traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Parenteau should receive a role in the Leafs' top six.

The 32-year-old had one year remaining on his deal with Montreal, worth $4 million. His buyout means Montreal will take on a $1.33 million cap hit for over the next two seasons.

"It was a difficult decision to make, but we feel it gives us more flexibility as we continue to improve our club and provide our young prospects with an opportunity to earn a spot on our roster," Habs general manager Marc Bergevin said in a team press release.

The right winger spent one season with Montreal, registering eight goals and 22 points in 56 games, but was a healthy scratch on a number of occasions.