Justin Brazeau, the high-scoring free agent, signed with the Toronto Marlies and is now on his way to Toronto. The Marlies was excited about securing the rights to the leading goal scorer of the Ontario Hockey League. Multiple reports have indicated that the Maple Leafs came to an agreement with the 21-year-old and that he is willing to ink a two-year contract with the Marlies of the American Hockey League. It is also believed that it did not cost Toronto all that much.
Two Year Contract Between Toronto Marlies and Justin Brazeau
The signing bonus agreed with Justin Brazeau is $60,000, and his two-year contract with the Toronto Marlies offers a base salary of $70,000. Darren Dreger from TSN also added that Brazeau would not be able to sign another deal unless the Marlies terminate his contract or the Leafs match the offer, so it means first dibs for Toronto. Brazeau is a large 225-pound, the 6-foot winger that scored 61 goals and added 113 points during 68 games with the North Bay Battalion OHL score this season.
Justin Brazeau most Sought-After Player in Hockey
It was no secret that Brazeau was the most sought-after player in the upcoming season and his point scoring for the North Bay Battalion further increased his popularity. He turned 21 during the season, and it is quite essential to keep his age in mind when looking at his career scores and numbers.
OHL Prospects First to Look at Brazeau
Even ahead of the 2018 draft, OHL Prospects looked at Justin Brazeau and made a note of his improvements during the previous season. At the time he was not the worst in the league, but also not the best. What changed since then is his first strides that looks a lot more explosive and he knows how to handle the defenders of the opposing team.
The Leafs and the Marlies have a project, and they look forward to working on and with Brazeau. If the team as successful as they believe they will be, they found the steal of the century. It remains unknown if he turned down a contract with the NHL to accept the Marlies.
The Maple Leafs Offseason Game Plan
The Leafs also have some other draft picks, and their rights on these unsigned picks will expire soon. The rights to Fedor Gordeev and Ryan McGregor expire on the 1st of June, while the rights on Dakota Joshua only expires on the 15th of August. The current season ends in June, and all contracts are valid until the last day of June even though the playing season is over. Currently, 34 players are under contract with the Leafs for the next season. The unrestricted free agents that the Leafs have includes Michael Hutchinson, Martin Marinchin, Ron Hainsey, Jake Gardiner and Tyler Ennis. There is also a group of players who played with the Marlies with NHL expiring contracts.