Maple Leafs’ Brendan Brisson Signing Just Created a Potentially Big Problem

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed forward Brendan Brisson to a one-year contract. The 24-year-old spent last season with the New York Rangers and their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, tallying an assist in three NHL games and 37 points in 66 AHL games. The contract is a two-way deal that carries a $850K cap hit at the NHL level and a $300K cap hit in the AHL.

Across his NHL career with the Rangers and Vegas Golden Knights, Brisson has 27 games played with nine points, while his AHL totals sit at 145 points in 244 games with Hartford and Henderson.

🖊️  We’ve signed forward Brendan Brisson to a one-year contract

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) September 4, 2026

Before turning pro, the Los Angeles native starred for Team USA, winning gold at the 2021 World Juniors and competing at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. He also played two seasons at the University of Michigan, earning B1G Second All-Star honors, and was named USHL Rookie of the Year with the Chicago Steel in 2019-20. Vegas drafted Brisson 29th overall in 2020.

Brisson may not have a guaranteed spot on the Leafs roster this season, but he could be one of the first call-ups from the Marlies this season. He’s not a big offensive threat, so it’s a curious signing.

Maple Leafs Have 50 Contracts

This is also 50 contracts on the roster now, which could mean a follow-up move by the Maple Leafs. The Maple Leafs now have a lot of fringe players who might not have secure NHL roles, but could be bumped into a position at some point. Could this lead to a move?

If Toronto is done, then this could be their final move of the summer. However, it seems like an odd way to fill out all 50 contracts. GM John Chayka has no additional space to make a move unless he sends a contract or two out. There isn’t room for everyone. Not with players like Colton Sissons, Brandon Duhaime, and Nick Paul on the roster too.

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