Story by
Former Rangers forward lands late-summer contract with Maple Leafs
- Story by
- Former Rangers forward lands late-summer contract with Maple Leafs
Let go by the New York Rangers at the end of last season, Brendan Brisson landed with another Original 6 franchise Friday. Brisson signed a one-year, $850,000 contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs , that pays him $300,000 if he's assigned to the American Hockey League.
The 24-year-old forward played just three games with the Rangers last season, picking up an assist in his second game, a 3-2 shootout win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Feb. 28 at Madison Square Garden.
Those three games are the only ones Brisson played for the Rangers after they acquired him in a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights on March 6, 2025 that included veteran forward Reilly Smith leaving New York. After joining the Rangers organization, he played 82 games through last season with Hartford of the AHL.
Advertisement
Brisson's 19 goals with Hartford last season tied his minor-league high and were second on the Wolf Pack , behind veteran forward Trey Fix-Wolansky, who scored 31 goals. That helped him land a spot in the AHL All-Star Challenge, representing Hartford after Gabe Perreault graduated to the NHL with the Rangers.
Eight of his goals were scored on the power play, leading Hartford. But he was also a team-worst minus-32.
The Rangers opted not to extend a qualifying offer to the pending restricted free agent at the end of the season. That made Brisson a UFA, free to sign with any team.
Let go by Rangers, Brendan Brisson signs with Maple Leafs
Brisson likely fills a similar role in Toronto that he did with New York. That of a forward expected to play in the minors, but be a potential spark offensively if needed in the NHL.
Advertisement
Though his pro career hasn't exactly taken off, Brisson does have some pedigree. He was a first-round pick (No. 29 overall) by the Golden Knights in the 2020 draft, a second-team Big Ten All-Star in 2022 at Michigan, and a point-per-game producer over two NCAA seasons.
Yet he's played only 27 games and scored just two goals in the NHL with the Golden Knights and Rangers. He has 66 goals and 145 points in 244 AHL games.
Photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack
By signing Brisson, the Maple Leafs are at their 50-contract limit, per PuckPedia . That severely hampers the Maple Leafs if they want or need to make additions to their roster. Toronto needs to move out one contract for every one it wishes to add moving forward.
Advertisement
By contrast, the Rangers have two spots open after they signed forward Eeli Tolvanen to a one-year, $1.5 contract earlier this week.
Related Headlines
