Former Leafs Draft Pick Has Contract Abruptly Terminated Overseas After Only One Month
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Former Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick Andrew Nielsen had his contract abruptly terminated after only a month with his new club though it was a mutual split.
A lot of the Maple Leafs prospects have seemingly found new homes overseas, with several of their players from the Marlies and other affiliates heading elsewhere in the hopes of continuing their hockey career.
For Andrew Nielsen, a former Maple Leafs draft pick in 2015, he decided he wanted to continue his career overseas in Sweden, and signed with Sodertalje last season and appeared in five games.
Breaking Down Andrew Nielsen's Sudden Contract Termination
He signed a one-year deal in July, however that agreement has come to an end almost immediately; though it seems it was something agreed upon.
Sports Director Emil Georgsson had a brief comment regarding Nielsen's departure, and seemed to want what was best for the defenseman going forward:
We have agreed in consultation with Andrew to terminate his contract. We wish him well in the future.
What the Termination Means for Nielsen's Career Path
There is no immediate reason as to why the contract was terminated, but perhaps there was a potential return to the AHL or ECHL in North America and wants to come back to potentially find a job leading to an NHL job.
It's a path he knows all too well, as he has essentially been an AHL and ECHL player for his entire career. Since being drafted 65th overall in 2015, he floated between the AHL and ECHL, as well as playing separate stints in Austria and Slovakia.
For his Toronto career, Nielsen played exclusively with the Marlies and skated in 152 games while adding 70 points (20 goals, 50 assists) and won a Calder Cup with the team in 2018.
As for what lies next for Nielsen, that remains unknown and while he could certainly fit in as a depth option in the AHL, he is 28 so it's unlikely he can come in and take the spot of a younger player unless he really stands out.
But as of now, Nielsen is on the lookout for a new home, wherever it may be.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 29 | 519 ANSWERS Former Leafs Draft Pick Has Contract Abruptly Terminated Overseas After Only One Month Will Andrew Nielsen return to the AHL/ECHL? | ||
| Yes | 253 | 48.7 % |
| No | 266 | 51.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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