Maple Leafs sign first round pick ahead of camp

Training camp is just around the corner for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the club is making moves to bolster its forward group before players hit the ice.

The Leafs announced on Friday that they have signed forward Brendan Brisson to a one-year deal. The 24-year-old arrives in Toronto looking to carve out a more permanent role at the NHL level after bouncing between the top league and the AHL over the past few seasons.

Brisson spent last season in the New York Rangers organization, where he managed one assist across three NHL appearances. The bulk of his campaign was spent with the AHL's Hartford Wolfpack, where he put up a respectable 19 goals and 37 points in 66 games.

Originally taken 29th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2020 NHL Draft, Brisson has yet to fully establish himself as a regular at hockey's highest level. His career NHL totals sit at two goals and nine points in 27 games split between Vegas and New York.

The University of Michigan product does carry some notable international experience. He represented Team USA at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, recording two goals in four contests. That tournament also featured current Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies, giving Brisson a familiar face in the Toronto dressing room.

The signing gives Brisson a fresh opportunity to compete for a roster spot with one of the league's most scrutinized franchises. Whether he can translate his AHL production into consistent NHL performance will be one of the quieter storylines to watch as the Leafs open camp.