4:45pm: The Marlies have made it official, adding that the deal begins in the 2019-20 season. An AHL contract does not prevent another team from signing Brazeau, but it does give the Maple Leafs an opportunity to match whatever deal is presented, according to Dreger. As CapFriendly points out, this is a way to keep some measure of control over unsigned prospects and players of Brazeau’s ilk.
9:06am: One of the OHL’s most dangerous goal scorers has decided on his next destination, as Justin Brazeau has signed a two-year AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies according to Darren Dreger of TSN. Brazeau will earn $70K each year in salary and add a $60K signing bonus per season.
A minor league deal does not technically give the Toronto Maple Leafs Brazeau’s rights, but does bring him into their organization and allows him to work with their development team. It’s not the first time they’ve signed a player to an AHL deal to start his development, in fact Justin Holl went down a very similar path. The team signed Holl to an AHL contract in 2015 after he didn’t catch on in the Chicago Blackhawks organization, and eventually rewarded his hard work with an NHL contract. That’s the same path they’re likely hoping for with Brazeau, who comes to the team after an outstanding junior career.
In 68 games this season Brazeau led the entire OHL with 61 goals, using his immense size—6’6″ 226-lbs—and strength to drive the net and bury any loose pucks. There are still plenty of holes in Brazeau’s game, but it was obvious that he needed a new challenge.
He’ll certainly get one with the Marlies, who won a Calder Cup last season but have struggled to repeat their historic success this time around. Part of that is their trouble in net, but the NHL team has also regularly pulled up their best talent over the last few years. With Jeremy Bracco making a case for his own promotion—the 22-year old leads the AHL with 75 points—they will need some more offensive punch next season. Brazeau will be asked to provide that, though how much actual playing time he gets is still to be seen.
Another cheap depth piece to fill out the bottom 6 in Toronto, for those wondering how they’ll field a competitive team with the Marner contract next year. The defence still needs to be addressed, but having Rosen, Liljegren, and Sandin all being possible options on ELCs who will be positive replacements for Gardiner and Hainsey.
I’m a little surprised he has to settle for an AHL deal, even if he was an old junior player.
Agreed. Perhaps his heart was just set on Toronto.
Good Risk free signing, but let’s remember he is a 21 year old lighting up a league with 16-19 years olds..
Jd now your on commenting on the leafs you can’t cheer for both that’s not how it works. Gonna miss our chats big guy no more cell phone for this guy I’ll let keep educating the youth .
Why wouldn’t it be he’s an Ontario kid. Who clearly watches the speed and skill of the Toronto forwards