The Maple Leafs rewarding the intense physical game of Landon Sim is a deliberate culture message
Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs added some much needed youth and grit by signing Landon Sim to a two-year entry level deal on Tuesday.
Sim, 22, was drafted 184th overall by the St. Louis Blues in 2022 however had his rights expire and he signed a deal with the Marlies last year.
In 13 games with Toronto's AHL affiliate, he had three goals and 31 PIM, while adding six points and 44 PIM with their ECHL affiliate Cincinnati.
He's a former teammate of Easton Cowan when both spent time in London, and Sim is a player who Toronto could definitely use going forward.
Why the promotion of Landon Sim is a clear message to the rest of the Maple Leafs prospect pool
Tough as nails, he's willing to scrap with anyone, loves to hit and get physical and clearly has an edge to his game given his 75 combined PIM in only 31 games total.
Hailing from New Glasgow, NS, Sim skated in 213 career OHL games with London, posting 124 points (66 goals, 58 assists), while adding 23 points (16 goals, seven assists) in 30 playoff games. He also won back to back OHL Championships in 2024 and 2025.
Sim is likely going to spend the majority of his time next year with the Marlies though with how much they are investing in him, he could get a strong look during preseason camp and potentially be one of the final cuts.
But it's a message to those in the system that hard work and intensity plays off and if you're willing to sacrifice yourself not to the point of recklessness but controlled passion — it can pay off.
How Landon Sim's style can help the Maple Leafs rebuild under a more youthful head coach
With Sim being someone who can be a force in the bottom-six, he's going to need a modern day guru to help coach his development and make sure they utilize him to the best of his ability.
While he's certainly able to score, he shines brightest when he's getting in the nitty gritty of things and could be a great way for Toronto to add that grit and feistiness without having to pay for it in free agency.
Plus, if anyone can vouch for Sim, it's Cowan. The two spent time winning together and if Cowan can give a good recommendation to his future coach about what Sim can bring — he could be given a serious chance.
As Toronto shifts to a more data-driven look for their team, there's always a need to have a tough guy like Sim who is not only willing to put his body on the line, but will happily do so by any means.
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Previously on Hockey Patrol
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 14|861 ANSWERS The Maple Leafs rewarding the intense physical game of Landon Sim is a deliberate culture message Will Landon Sim make his NHL debut with the Maple Leafs in 2026-27? | ||
| Yes | 516 | 59.9 % |
| No | 345 | 40.1 % |
| List of polls | ||