Maple Leafs F Seth Griffith claimed off waivers by Panthers

Shawn McKenzie and Chris Johnston discuss the Toronto Maple Leafs beating the Philadelphia Flyers and what to expect when they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins.

TORONTO – Seth Griffith was claimed off waivers by the Florida Panthers on Saturday and should find himself with more of an opportunity there than he received during a month-long stint with the Maple Leafs.

Griffith only dressed for three games with Toronto after being claimed off waivers from Boston on Oct. 11.

At five-foot-nine, the 23-year-old is an undersized forward with offensive upside. He had 77 points in 57 games with the American Hockey League’s Providence Bruins last season.

The Panthers are weathering a long-term Achilles injury to winger Jonathan Huberdeau and have been without Nick Bjugstad all season as well. Jonathan Marchessault has filled in capably on Florida’s top line while Colton Sceviour has received top-nine minutes, and Griffith could be the next low-risk pickup who finds himself with the chance to make an impression.

He’s on a one-way contract that pays him $625,000.

The Leafs were facing a roster crunch with Josh Leivo due to return from an AHL conditioning stint and Matt Hunwick activated from injured reserve, making Griffith the odd-man out.

The native of Wallaceburg, Ont., was a fifth-round pick by Boston in 2012, and has six goals and 11 points in 37 career NHL games.

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