Maple Leafs Sign Former 1st-Round Pick Before Training Camp

The Toronto Maple Leafs continued reshaping their roster on Friday with another free-agent addition.

by Antonio Losada

Sep 4, 2026

Toronto Maple Leafs new senior executive advisor Mats Sundin (l) and general manager John Chayka pose for picture.

Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The Toronto Maple Leafs have significantly reshaped their roster this offseason, and general manager John Chayka just added another forward ahead of training camp.

Toronto announced Friday that the franchise has signed 24-year-old forward Brendan Brisson to a one-year, $850,000 contract.

Brisson spent last season primarily with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack while also making three appearances for the New York Rangers, scoring one point. Across three NHL seasons and 27 games, Brisson has scored nine points.

“The Toronto Maple Leafs announced today that the hockey club has signed forward Brendan Brisson to a one-year contract,” the team said.

Down in the AHL, Brisson produced 19 goals and 18 assists for 37 points across 66 games with Hartford last year. Brisson ranked second on the Wolf Pack in goals and points and represented the club at the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic.

Brisson has significantly more experience in the AHL than the NHL, totaling 66 goals and 145 points across 244 career games with Hartford and the Henderson Silver Knights.

Vegas originally selected Brisson No. 29 overall in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft, before the Golden Knights traded him to the Rangers in March 2025.

Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment CEO Keith Pelley answers media questions between Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka (left) and senior executive advisor Mats Sundin during an introductory news conference at Real Sports Bar and Grill.

Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Before turning professional, Brisson recorded 63 points in 62 games at the University of Michigan. He also represented the United States at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, scoring two goals in four games while playing alongside current Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies.

The Maple Leafs have a crowded forward corps after adding Colton Sissons, Jack Roslovic, Nick Paul, Teddy Blueger, Brandon Duhaime and Zack MacEwen this offseason, while selecting Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 overall pick in June.

However, Toronto enters camp with uncertainty surrounding Max Domi, who was ruled out indefinitely following complications from offseason surgery.

Brisson will get his first opportunity to compete for a spot during training camp before Toronto opens its preseason with two games against the Montreal Canadiens on Sept. 19.