Ex-Leafs prospect reportedly expresses desire to sign in Toronto this summer
The Toronto Maple Leafs allowed Brandon Lisowsky's rights to expire earlier this year, but on Friday, the 2022 draft pick confirmed plans to still sign in Toronto.
After being drafted in the final round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Lisowsky went unsigned with the Toronto Maple Leafs by the June 1st deadline of this year. Since he didn't receive an entry-level contract, Lisowsky was able to re-enter the draft but because he's was an overage prospect, the likelihood of him getting drafted was very low.
The 2024 NHL Entry Draft came and went and Lisowsky went undrafted. The 5'9 forward then became a free agent on the 1st of July and was free to sign a contract with any team he wished. Reportedly, Lisowsky still has a keen interest in the Maple Leafs and is looking to earn an AHL contract with the organization, according to Kyle Cushman of The Score.
Lisowsky looked like a steal after posting 38 goals and 71 points in 65 games in draft+1 season in 2022-23 for the Saskatoon Blades. That was an improvement of 5 goals and 13 points in 3 less games than his draft-year and then he finished the 2023-24 campaign with 42 goals and 80 points.
At this point, it's unclear why the Leafs opted not to offer him an entry-level deal by the June 1st deadline, but it may or may not have something to do with his size.
The 20-year-old from Port Coquitlam, British Columbia is eager to start his pro career. He is currently back at Development Camp with the Maple Leafs, which is a good sign that they still have interest in the player. He is both AHL and WHL eligible since he just turned 20 years old, so it will be interesting to see if Toronto gives him a second shot.
Source for Lisowsky's stats: HockeyDBBrandon Lisowsky
Source for Brandon Lisowsky not receiving a contract offer:Report: Maple Leafs Not Offering Prospect Brandon Lisowsky Contract, Will Re-Enter NHL Draft
| POLL | ||
5 JUILLET | 643 ANSWERS Ex-Leafs prospect reportedly expresses desire to sign in Toronto this summer Should the Maple Leafs give Brandon Lisowsky a second opportunity? | ||
| Yes, he's achieved a lot as a 7th round pick | 296 | 46 % |
| No, he's too small | 144 | 22.4 % |
| I don't know enough about him | 203 | 31.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
