What Could Connor Dewar Bring to the Maple Leafs?
Salary arbitration appears to be the future for both Connor Dewar and the Toronto Maple Leafs. What would the Maple Leafs miss if Dewar moved on?
Connor Dewar was born in The Pas, Manitoba. He is one of the few NHL players of Red River Métis descent. Jordin Tootoo is perhaps the most well-known Métis player in recent NHL history. Tootoo played as a right winger for several NHL teams including the Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings, and New Jersey Devils.
Dewar’s Early Hockey Journey
Dewar began his hockey journey with the Everett Silvertips in the WHL. There he showed his scoring prowess and grit over four seasons. Dewar was selected by the Minnesota Wild in the third round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. His junior career was highlighted by a breakout season in 2017-18. That season he scored 68 points in 68 games and added 26 points in 22 playoff appearances. Transitioning to the professional ranks, Dewar joined the Iowa Wild in the AHL for the 2019-20 season. There he continued to develop his game with 19 points in 52 games. His progress revved up during the 2020-21 season. He scored 23 points in 32 games with Iowa, showcasing his scoring touch at the AHL level.
Dewar Joins the Maple Leafs after leaving the Minnesota Wild
During the 2021–22 NHL season, Dewar made his debut with the Minnesota Wild, appearing in 35 games and scoring six points. He also acquired useful postseason experience. He had a much larger role in the 2022–2023 season. He established himself as a regular, scoring 18 points while appearing in 81 games. He was beginning to show that he could make a regular contribution in the NHL.
Before being moved to the Maple Leafs, Dewar continued to develop in Minnesota during the 2023–24 season, tallying 14 points in 57 games. He contributed five points in 17 regular-season games and one point in six postseason contests while playing with the Maple Leafs.
Ezoic Connor Dewar was born in Manitoba’s The Pas. Among the few NHL players of Red River Métis heritage is this one. In modern NHL history, Jordin Tootoo is arguably the most well-known Métis player. Tootoo was a right winger with the Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, and Nashville Predators, among other NHL clubs.
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Dewar’s Initial Hockey Career
Dewar started his hockey career in the WHL with the Everett Silvertips. Over four seasons, he demonstrated his scoring power and tenacity there. The Minnesota Wild selected Dewar in the third round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. The standout season of his junior career was 2017–18. During the season, he scored
Salary arbitration is a mechanism in the NHL that allows players and teams to settle contract disputes. During this process, an independent arbitrator reviews the cases presented by both the player and the team and then sets a contract for the player. This process works to ensure that both parties reach a fair agreement if they cannot negotiate one independently. Dewar’s decision to elect for arbitration indicates he and his team believe his market value is higher than the qualifying offer extended by the Maple Leafs. The arbitration process provides him with an opportunity to secure a salary that he feels better reflects his contributions and potentia.
The Bottom Line for Dewar and the Maple Leafs While Dewar’s arbitration hearing is scheduled, there’s still a possibility that the team and Dewar’s camp could reach a deal before the hearing date. Often, teams and players use the arbitration deadline as a motivator to come to terms with a contract without needing the arbitrator’s decision. Historically, many cases are settled before reaching the actual arbitration hearing. That said, if they cannot reach an agreement, the arbitrator will decide on Dewar’s contract. Likely the number will be slightly higher than the Maple Leafs have offered. It would potentially provide him with a salary more aligned with his perceived value. Throughout his career, Dewar has shown himself to be a versatile forward capable of contributing offensively
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