The Toronto Rock made waves during last off-season with the signing of free agent Chris White. While the former Buffalo Bandits captain was arguably the most high profile free agent available, it was also surprising that such a move came from a Toronto franchise that generally features little roster turnover.
A majority of Toronto’s contracts are with players or prospects already members of the Rock organization. After applying the franchise tag to captain Colin Doyle, Toronto still has several contracts that need to be inked.
The Rock began the month of November with the re-signing of last year’s big acquisition Chris White, along with Cam Woods, Rob Marshall, Damon Edwards, Scott Johnston, Scott Evans and Mike Hobbins to one year agreements. Pat Merrill, who enters his fourth consecutive and ninth overall season with the Rock, was given a two year deal.
Toronto also locked up a pair of offensive weapons on their right side, signing the up and coming Rob Hellyer to a one year deal and the veteran Kasey Beirnes for the next three seasons. After missing all but one game of the 2012 season due to injury, Hellyer appeared in nine games last season posting 11 points. The 33-year-old Beirnes enters his seventh season with the Rock after posting his highest season point totals wearing the blue and red. Beirnes finished the 2013 season with 31 goals and 21 assists for 54 points, the third highest totals of his career and highest point production since 2004.
During last off-season, aside from White’s signing in late August, the Rock were almost silent prior to the preseason. After signing their rookie class following the 2012 NLL Entry Draft, of which none would see game action during season, the Rock did not make any transactions until early November 2012 with Garret Billings’ signing of a one year deal.
Currently, Billings’ is one of the notable names on Toronto without a contract. This list also includes Stephan Leblanc and unrestricted free agent Josh Sanderson, both of whom signed their previous deals in September of 2012.
Goaltender Nick Rose, a restricted free agent, is also currently without a contract heading into training camp.
The Toronto Rock will hold rookie and free agent camp on November 23rd and 24th at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre, before beginning their official training camp the following weekend.
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