The Toronto Maple Leafs just dropped the news: forward Brendan Brisson is officially a Leaf, signing a one-year contract. This move adds another intriguing layer to a team the buzz says is already “full to the brim and overflowing with depth options with all sorts of special skills.” Brisson, a 24-year-old left-shooting winger, is joining the organization on a one-year two-way deal, with an $850,000 cap hit in the NHL and $300,000 in the minors.
From College Star to Pro Grind
Before signing with Toronto, Brisson split his 2025-26 season between the New York Rangers and their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. He grabbed an assist in just three games with the Rangers, but really shined in the AHL, collecting 37 points (19 goals, 18 assists) in 66 games. Talk about showing up in the minors! This isn’t some rookie, though. Brisson has a solid background, representing the United States at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, where he scored two goals in four games. He even captured gold at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, netting a pair of goals in seven games.
Before turning pro, Brisson was a standout for the University of Michigan Wolverines from 2020-22. He stacked up 63 points (31 goals, 32 assists) in 62 games, helping them win a B1G Championship and earning B1G Second All-Star Team recognition in 2022. Go back even further, to 2019-20 with the USHL’s Chicago Steel, and you find a USHL Rookie of the Year who earned spots on both the USHL First All-Star Team and the USHL All-Rookie Team after putting up 24 goals and 35 assists in 45 games. The guy was originally a first-round pick by Vegas, 29th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft. He’s an American from LA, with a hockey family background, and even played with Matt Knies on that fun US Olympic team in 2022. It really is a small world in hockey!
The Road Ahead for Brisson in Toronto
While Brisson has been “touted as a high-IQ forward,” the scouting report suggests he’s never quite broken into the NHL on his previous teams. His limited play indicates he’s been more of a fourth-line level player, without the offensive impact his draft scouting promised. He has yet to play a regular NHL role on any team. Adding to the challenge, he “does not appear to have any great gift defensively,” which could limit his ability to secure a consistent NHL spot.
Given Toronto’s packed roster, Brisson is not waivers exempt. However, the expectation is he “should clear” and start the season with the Marlies, the Leafs’ AHL team. There, he’d be one of the few wingers with actual NHL experience, which is a big deal in the AHL. Can he translate that “very good” AHL play into a full-time NHL gig for one of the league’s deepest teams? That’s the question. For now, Brisson is heading to the Marlies, ready to make his mark and try to fight his way up the depth chart. It’s going to be a battle to watch.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pension Plan Puppets.
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