Brendan Brisson's contract with the Maple Leafs was a minor signing but it could have major implications if he doesn't end up getting enough playing time.
On Friday, the Maple Leafs signed former first-round pick Brendan Brisson to a one-year, two-way deal worth $850,000. He's someone who can certainly add some depth to both the AHL and NHL level, and at only 24 - he's got lots of room to grow.
There's potential for Brisson to be more than just offensive depth though, and he's going to have tons of opportunities to earn big minutes with the Marlies, and a strong camp/preseason could lead him to being one of the first call-ups this year.
Toronto can lose Brisson's rights even if the signing works
But it may not necessarily matter beyond this season if Brisson doesn't get some more NHL experience. Given that he's 24, but only appeared in 27 career games, Brisson would qualify as a Group-6 UFA after his deal is done.
In layman's terms, a player with less than 80 games played, who is 25+, and has three professional seasons is eligible to become a UFA as opposed to an RFA. That means the Maple Leafs have less control over his future and don't have the luxury of being able to even go to arbitration to find a deal that works.
A strong AHL season is only going to strengthen the case that he can find an NHL job elsewhere, and if the Maple Leafs aren't willing to give him the chance - especially if the team is in the position to - then he's more than likely going to choose a new home.
Brisson would need a genuine NHL breakthrough for Toronto to keep RFA control
Which is why it's extremely vital that Brisson gets as much time as possible because the team can end up gaining more control. He's only 53 games away from still retaining that RFA status, but that also means he's going to be playing a large chunk of the season.
Brisson is not necessarily a top-six forward, and with a logjam already up front in the bottom-six, Toronto needs to find a spot if they want to keep him beyond this season. The one bit of luck is. that the bottom-six hashed their fair share of injury problems, and Brisson would be a good replacement for players like Dakota Joshua.
It may not matter what he does on the scoreboard however. At this point it's about giving him enough time and exposure to a) show the team what he can do at the NHL level and b) create enough time to retain him as an RFA. We aren't saying for Toronto to manipulate his minutes and time, or. get rid of someone else's spot - but rather he should be given a long look as a priority call-up.
If he can come in and prove that his collegiate career and AHL numbers were no fluke, and he just needed a bit more exposure then there's a world where Brisson not only sticks with the team as an RFA, but a genuine piece in the lineup for several years.
Toronto therefore has an unusual one-year evaluation window. If Brisson remains mostly with the Marlies, a strong season could make him more attractive to other NHL teams when he reaches Group 6 free agency.
If he plays enough to retain RFA status, it will almost certainly mean he earned a real place in Toronto's lineup along the way.
Do you think the Maple Leafs should play Brendan Brisson the necessary games to keep him an RFA?
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