Why Brendan Brisson is the Exact Low-Risk, High-Reward Bet the Maple Leafs Need

Early Friday morning, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced an intriguing depth signing. The Leafs announced the signing of 24-year-old forward Brendan Brisson to a one-year two-way contract. On the surface, this appears to be the Maple Leafs just adding depth to their AHL affiliate, adding the former first round pick. The signing comes after Brisson spent time with both the Vegas Golden Knights and New York Rangers, spending time with both AHL affiliates. This however, when you look below the surface is a calculated move, with almost no downside, that smart front offices take every year. 

The Pedigree and Pro Numbers

Brisson was selected 29th overall by the Golden Knights in 2020, but has never found his NHL footing. During his time at the University of Michigan Brisson scored 63 points in 62 games, won World Junior gold with Team USA, and competed in the 2022 Beijing Olympics when NHL players were not cleared to play. He however, has not been able to translate that success into an everyday spot in the NHL. In 244 AHL games, with Henderson and Hartford, Brisson has 145 points, capped off last year with a 19 goal season, the highest of his professional career. In the NHL however, he has only added 9 points in 27 games across 3 seasons. 

Despite not finding a regular role in the NHL, Brisson possesses a strong shot and above average offensive instincts, but hasn’t received an extended look. When used he’s seen his zone starts favor a defensive minded deployment, instead of utilizing his offensive skills to their fullest. Given Brisson’s age, there are many comparables that the team could look at as potential comparables for Brisson and his development. 

The Michael Bunting Blueprint

Toronto knows this developmental curve firsthand. Michael Bunting spent parts of six seasons grinding his way through the Arizona Coyotes farm system, while putting up respectable AHL totals, including a brief NHL stint before the Leafs signed him to a two-year deal at age of 25. Once given the opportunity to play with elite transition talent, Bunting surged, scoring 23 goals. Like Bunting at the time, Brisson enters Toronto as an older prospect who understands professional habits but simply needs an opportunity and linemates to help elevate his offensive tools.

The Carter Verhaeghe Precedent

Carter Verhaeghe is another prime example of a late-blooming AHL scorer. After productive minor-league seasons playing for both Bridgeport and Syracuse, Verhaeghe was viewed by many as a career minor leaguer, set to yo-yo between leagues on call up opportunities. At age 24, he finally received his first real opportunity with Tampa Bay before breaking out with the Florida Panthers. When paired with high end play drivers who could generate shooting opportunities, Verhaeghe transformed into an eventual 40-goal scorer. Brisson carries that exact profile of as a finisher waiting for a roster capable of utilizing his release.

The Daniel Sprong Model

Daniel Sprong provides the blueprint for maximizing a specialized skillset on short-term commitments. A former high draft pick who struggled with two way play across multiple franchises, Sprong revived his career on one year contracts with both Seattle and Detroit. By deploying him in sheltered minutes and leaning heavily into his power play release, teams extracted back to back 20-goal seasons from a player who cost next to nothing against their salary cap. If Toronto limits Brisson to favorable offensive zone starts and man-advantage time, they could easily capture similar bottom-six production.

The Low-Risk Fit in Toronto

Brisson enters Toronto in an ideal low pressure environment. On a one-year deal, there is zero salary-cap consequence. If he fails to secure an NHL spot out of training camp, he provides scoring depth with the Toronto Marlies or serves as reliable recall insurance. If everything magically clicks he could find a spot on the second power-play unit or he earns minutes alongside the Maple Leafs’ top six, Toronto secures a 24-year-old middle-six winger at pennies on the dollar. It costs virtually nothing to attempt and carries tremendous value if it pays off.