The Toronto Maple Leafs dropped a bombshell Friday, signing 24-year-old Brendan Brisson, and honestly, the immediate talk isn’t about his scoring touch. This move has everyone scrambling to figure out where he even fits in their prospect system, especially with his past performance history raising some serious eyebrows.
The Road Less Traveled (And Less Productive)
Look, the guy’s only 24.7 years old as of July 1, plays center or wing, stands 6’0″, and weighs 188 lbs. He shoots left. He was drafted 29th overall in 2020. Solid numbers, right? But here’s the kicker: Brisson has only logged 27 NHL games. FIFTEEN of those were in his rookie season back in 2023-2024 with Vegas. After that, he barely saw the ice with the Rangers, getting three games last year. Touted as a big offensive thinker as a prospect, that talent hasn’t shown up where it counts: in the NHL. It’s hard not to wonder if his first-round draft status was even earned, or if his very famous and powerful father played a role in that decision. Vegas isn’t exactly known for developing draft picks, and the Rangers, well, they seem to collect players they don’t even use. Brisson has been stuck between a rock and a hard place, unable to crack two totally different NHL rosters.
Where Does He Even Fit in The System?
His AHL game, now that’s a different story. He was second on the Wolfpack in points last year without even playing the full season. That’s good! So why can’t he translate it? This move bumped him onto the eligibility list for the Top 25 Under 25 ranking, and he’d be the oldest on there, pushing Artur Akhtyamov down a spot. Voters didn’t officially re-tabulate over the holiday, but the word is he’d land somewhere around 15, maybe lower. We’re talking votes from Cathy at 10 to Hound Line at 23, with others like Shinson93 at 20, Sclodiggity at 11, Brian S at 19, Svalbard38 at 16, and Hardev at 11. It’s a spread, but the reasoning is all pretty similar: Brisson has some NHL experience, but not much, just like Akhtyamov. He’s arguably better than Jacob Quillan, who had a longer but not-so-great NHL stint. I even had Quillan at tenth! I’d slot Brisson in somewhere between Quillan and Emil Andrae, who was ninth and actually has some real NHL success. Bottom line, if his hockey IQ and offensive talent isn’t real or doesn’t work in the NHL, then he’s merely a very good AHL player. And the Leafs just signed a very good AHL player. What does that mean for their depth?
So, Brisson is a Leaf. What’s next for him? He’s gonna have to prove that his offensive talent isn’t merely a rumor from his draft year and that he can actually make an impact at the highest level. With training camp right around the corner, every shift, every drill, every chance he gets will be under a microscope. Can he finally crack an NHL lineup and show he’s more than a good AHL player? Or will this be another chapter in a career full of “what ifs?” The Leafs are making moves, and now we wait to see if this one pays off.
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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