Maple Leafs sign former first-round pick unrestricted free agent to one-year deal ahead of training camp

The Toronto Maple Leafs added some forward depth to their training camp roster on Friday, agreeing to terms with Brendan Brisson on a one year contract.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the move gives Toronto another body to throw into the mix as camp battles begin to take shape heading into the 2026-27 season.

Brisson, the son of longtime NHL agent Pat Brisson, was once viewed as a top prospect after Vegas took him 20th overall back in 2020 out of the University of Michigan.

The six foot forward can slot down the middle or play either wing, but he still hasn't been able to lock down a full time NHL role, appearing in just 27 career games so far.

Brisson spent most of last season with the Hartford Wolfpack, putting up 19 goals and 37 points across 66 games in the AHL.

New York gave him a brief taste of NHL action too, calling him up for three games and picking up an assist along the way.

His most productive stretch actually came back in 2024 with the Henderson Silver Knights, where the California native racked up 19 goals and 38 points in only 52 outings, showing flashes of the scoring touch that made him a first round pick in the first place.

Realistically, Brisson figures to be in tough to crack Toronto's opening night roster out of training camp.

The more likely outcome is a top six role with the Toronto Marlies, where he could help fill some of the offensive void left behind now that Alex Nylander has moved on to Calgary.

Either way, it's a low risk add for a Leafs organization looking to stockpile forward depth throughout the system.

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